Business
Western Europe has more scope for soft power – in the form of plush mascots
Japan has understood the power of a good mascot. An unlikely gathering in Frankfurt shows why Western cities might want to embrace their softer side, too.
Latest in Monocle Radio
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How Club-Mate built a cult following without ever running an ad
Born in Bavaria and adopted by Berlin’s techno and hacker scenes, Club-Mate is taking its herbal, caffeinated product abroad – without spending a cent on marketing.
Why private equity’s fashion bet failed and what founders are doing instead
Venture capital saw a chance to make big returns in fashion. So what went wrong? A lot. But there’s a better way forward.
Can individuality be scaled? Elie Khouri shares a blueprint for luxury hospitality from Dubai to Paros
After years of building up businesses, the French-Lebanese serial executive is continuing to look for ways to make a difference through entrepreneurship. His next goal? To transform the UAE into “a place for ideas”.
‘We’ve given people a licence to play.’ How Singaporean label Beyond The Vines successfully rebranded around fun
When Rebecca Ting took the leap of overhauling her label’s image, she was unsure if it was the right move. But the bold change proved transformative – both for the brand and its crew.
Why entrepreneurs are flocking to A Coruña, Spain’s slow-living boomtown
With local and international businesses booming, the port city of A Coruña offers the best of all worlds, including a laid-back lifestyle for entrepreneurs looking to grow at their own pace.
A Brazilian trend forecaster on why real-world research always beats algorithms
Iza Dezon, the CEO of strategic trend consultancy Dezon, on why on-the-ground-research is invaluable to accurate market predictions.
‘Fashion needs to make less.’ Another Tomorrow founder Vanessa Barboni Hallik wants fashion to avoid obsolescence
We meet the founder and co-CEO of New York-based luxury label Another Tomorrow, an industry voice who believes that the future of fashion can thrive through sustainable practices.
Cashing in their chips: Three family-owned crisp brands holding their own against PepsiCo
From Swiss paprika to Galician olive oil and Breton sea salt, these independent producers are turning local identity into seriously successful snacks.
Broad Church is Sydney’s answer to the members’ club, minus the gatekeeping
Accessible members’ club Broad Church is giving people the chance to meet up and network without the usual price tag of dealmaking.
Inside Goldsmiths’ Hall, the 700-year-old guild still hallmarking by hand
The Goldsmiths’ Company has been in business since 1327. Its lasting secret is a room of hand-markers, apprentices and a very precise hammer.
