Christ Church student hosts GQ’s new Global Editorial Director

Held at Worcester College on Monday 9 March, the event was organised and led by Jaami Al-Choudhury, a third-year student at Christ Church reading Spanish and Arabic and President of the Oxford Fashion Society. Around 70 students attended the discussion at the Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, with many staying afterwards to speak with Baidawi informally.

Baidawi, who will oversee the editorial vision and content strategy across GQ’s global network of 21 titles, will publish his first print issue for American GQ in September 2026. His role also includes oversight of Pitchfork.

The evening began with a photo call in Worcester’s front quad before Baidawi was interviewed by Al-Choudhury. As they made their way to the venue, the pair discussed Baidawi’s forthcoming move to New York and reflected on some of his most notable GQ Middle East covers.

The conversation ranged widely across Baidawi’s career and the global fashion and media landscape. Reflecting on his early steps into journalism, he described how persistence and initiative shaped his path – from offering to write for a football club website as a self-confessed ‘obsessive’, to pitching music reviews to a street press magazine in Melbourne, which led to his first professional role. He later studied communications at RMIT University, developing the craft that underpins his work today.

Baidawi also spoke about his connection to the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region and his involvement with Fashion Trust Arabia. He emphasised the importance of building infrastructure and support systems for creatives across what he described as a ‘huge, sprawling region’, highlighting the depth of talent among photographers, writers and stylists. GQ, he noted, aims to play a role in discovering and championing these voices on a global stage.

Asked about standout moments in his career, Baidawi pointed to a recent GQ cover titled ‘What’s so great about Britain?’, which brought together figures ranging from Chloe Kelly to Emma Thompson in a visually striking, three-panel composition. The issue sought both to celebrate and critically examine contemporary British culture, and, he noted, prompted a significant public response.

For Al-Choudhury, organising the event marked a personal milestone. Before coming to Oxford, he pursued creative interests including A-Level photography, where he engaged with publications such as GQ Middle East and Vogue Arabia. ‘Having Adam come in as a speaker really was a full circle moment,’ he said, recalling how he had referenced one of Baidawi’s covers in his own coursework.

Since arriving at Christ Church, Al-Choudhury has combined his academic studies with creative work, contributing fashion writing to The Oxford Blue and undertaking photography commissions. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a career in the fashion industry, potentially through further study in creative writing or international fashion and luxury.

Reflecting on the event, Al-Choudhury said: ‘I’m immensely proud of the work I’ve done with my team this term on the Fashion Society. My aim has been to bring to Oxford people who are not only at the top of their fields, but who are engaging in meaningful dialogue and championing emerging talent globally. Adam Baidawi’s appointment is a testament to hard work, authenticity and drive and should serve as an inspiration to us all.’

The event formed part of a broader programme by the Oxford Fashion Society to connect students with leading figures in the global creative industries, while fostering discussion around representation, cultural exchange and the future of fashion media.