GIVING MAD RESPECT TO SPIKE LEE, CELEBRATING ITALY AND FASHION, WATCHING FOR ‘KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON’

In fact, about the same time Lee received the Cannes Lions honor, his solid-gold classics “Do The Right Thing” and “Malcolm X” reached No. 8 and No. 22 respectively on “The New Republic‘s” list as among the 100 most significant political films of all time.

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Let’s take a moment to pay mad respect to Spike Lee.

Cannes Lions named him the Creative Maker of the Year during its International Festival of Creativity this past summer. Lee, an acclaimed actor, director, producer and screenwriter, is the first to receive the award.

From the brownstone steps in “Crooklyn” to the throes of war memories in “Da 5 Bloods,” to his famously energetic courtside presence cheering the New York Knicks to his creative skill in advertising to his willingness to tackle the toughest cultural and racial subjects, Lee’s vision, gifts and cultural influence have achieved iconic status.

Italy is our featured destination in this issue. We guide you through a neighborhood in Milan, explore driving tours with vintage cars, invite you to bring the tastes of Italia into your kitchen, and present a primer on Milanese fashion design. When I honeymooned in Rome 15 years ago, I was smitten by Italian cuisine, history and street fashions that whispered haute couture at every corner. These Italian stories take me right back.

Speaking of more swoonworthy style: Get a global fashion view through Koya Nyangi’s “Let Me Show You Different” event where African designers define rich, imaginative renderings mindful of African culture and sustainability. In Andrea Bazoin’s story, learn how cross-cultural designers use their fashion platform to challenge potential inequality in retirement savings.

In our “Must List,” we note the upcoming Martin Scorsese film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” inspired by the wrenching story about the murders of wealthy Osage people in 1920s Oklahoma. As she discussed the tragedy and her film role, actor Lily Gladstone’s words at a Cannes Film Festival news conference smoldered. Just imagine what her portrayal will be on screen.

Lastly, we feature Adam Abbasi-Sacca, a new Culturs contributor who writes a touching piece about his IranianItalian roots and meeting his paternal grandmother for the first time in Varzaneh, Iran.

This fall issue soars because of art and style, heart and soul.

Enjoy!