From rom-coms that are not actually rom-coms to couture on a global stage and an incredible summer show that brings street art into the gallery, this week’s roundup dives into the stories shaping arts and culture across continents.
I binge watched the emotional chaos of Lena Dunham’s Too Much and share my thoughts (spoiler: it’s too much in all the wrong ways), had an amazing discussion with Sudanese singer and rapper Nadine El Roubi about exploring love in her new music, and learned more about Lebanese designer Jean Pierre Khoury inspiration behind the custom piece of couture he made for Beyoncé.
There’s also street-inspired art in Dubai, a tribute to the late Lebanese composer Ziad Rahbani’s revolutionary musical legacy, and a look at how a single handbag (Jane Birkin’s, to be exact) redefined fashion history.
Remember, feel free to reply to any post, share a thought, or point me toward something I should see. I’m always happy to read your opinions and share this space where we deep dive into all the layers of culture that mean the most to us.
Enjoy,
Maan Jalal
Editor, The Culturelist
Thoughts
Lena Dunham’s Too Much isn’t a Rom-Com… it’s a Tox‑Com
Lacking charm, emotional logic or, narrative cohesion, the Netflix series frames toxicity as romance. Read my thoughts on Lena Dunham’s new series Too Much and why I think it’s definitely not a rom-com.
Conversations…
Nadine El Roubi Isn’t Interested in Playing It Safe
The Sudanese singer and rapper breaks down love and violence in her new single Dream Girl from her upcoming EP Love As A Gun, out later this year. You can watch my conversation with the very talented Nadine El Roubi where we discussed navigating Arab identity as a global performer, writing without self-censorship and her career milestones and dream projects.
How Jean Pierre Khoury Took Lebanese Couture to Beyoncé’s World Stage
From regional icons to international stars, Lebanese designer Jean Pierre Khoury talked to me about what it means to bring Arab craftsmanship to a global audience after designing a custom piece for Beyonce which she wore on her Cowboy Carter tour.
'No Trespassing' at Ishara Art Foundation Explores the Street as a Genre, Not a Place
From LED-lit concrete tiles to mural-inspired interventions, curator Priyanka Mehra tells me about Ishara Art Foundation’s first-ever summer exhibition which she curated to invite audiences into the minds of six bold UAE based contemporary artists.
Stories
Ziad Rahbani’s Legacy: Five Defining Songs From a Revolutionary Arab Artist
Composer, playwright, and son of the legendary Fairuz has died at age 69 in Beirut. We take a look at his legacy from radical theatre to his jazz-inflected songs that defined a generation.
Everything You Need to Know About Dubai Design Week 2025
Find out everything about the Middle East’s leading design festival returning with new themes, expanded programming, and global talent all happening this November.
Sotheby’s Sells Jane Birkin’s Original Birkin for $10.1 Million: How One Bag Shaped Fashion and Culture
Born from a chance meeting in 1984, Jane Birkin’s handbag became a global symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and cultural cachet. We deep dive into the history of the Birkin Bag and explain why it’s been such a coveted fashion and cultural item for 40 years.