Brilliant music, books, art and TV to have on your radar in May
This month’s most exciting cultural happenings include a Beninese musician’s pop-star-packed album, an exhibition examining the work of Icelandic star Björk and a film told from the perspective of a plucky hen.
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Minimalism but make it meticulous: Eight Japanese fashion labels to know and love
Auralee, Kaptian Sunshine, Setchu and Sans Limite are among the brands on Monocle’s shopping list.
Is the reinvention of downtown Cairo Egypt’s most controversial comeback?
The Egyptian capital is fast evolving as developers seek fresh opportunities on its storied streets. Here we investigate whether the restoration of its bustling heart can be done without sacrificing its essence.
The Monocle Design Awards 2026: All 25 winners
From sleek Italian furniture and Danish trade schools to Thai pocket parks and Namibian bikes, the following 25 people, products and places have made it onto the podium for Monocle’s annual Design Awards.
Our May issue celebrates exceptional timepieces and the people who wear them
Andrew Tuck reveals how Monocle’s journalists came to document hours spent on an extraordinary train ride through the Canadian wilderness and report from a Cairo neighbourhood striving to keep its soul in changing times.
MEET OUR COLUMNISTS
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Colin Nagy
Contributing Writer
Tom Vanderbilt
Contributing writer
Charlotte McDonald-Gibson
Journalist
Andrew Mueller
Host of The Foreign Desk on Monocle Radio
Nic Monisse
Design editor
Alexis Self
Foreign editor
Sophie Monaghan-Coombs
Culture editor
Natalie Theodosi
Fashion director
Inzamam Rashid
Gulf correspondent
Florian Siebeck
Frankfurt correspondent
Tyler Brûlé
Editorial director and chairman
Stella Roos
Design correspondent
Gregory Scruggs
Seattle correspondent
Robert Bound
Contributing editor
Mary Fitzgerald
North Africa correspondent
Fiona Wilson
Senior Asia Editor
Alexei Korolyov
Vienna correspondent
CITY GUIDES
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Athens
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Mexico City
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Singapore
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Bangkok
URBANISM
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Why São Paulo should rethink its plan to give up its reputation as an ad-free metropolis
Two decades after the Lei Cidade Limpa, São Paulo faces a return of gaudy large-scale building ads.
FASHION
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Where to shop in Shanghai – 15 retailers for fashion, furniture and more
From Ficus to Labelhood and Maison Uma Wang to Maison Dongliang, we compiled 15 of our favourite shops in China’s Magic City.
TRAVEL
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The perfect weekend getaway: Verneuil-la-douce, a charming château-turned-inn just outside Paris
A 19th-century château has been restored as an art-filled hotel in which to dream and unwind.
FROM THE MONOCLE SHOP
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MONOCLE BOOKS
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FROM OUR PARTNERS
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Setting a new standard
Godrej Ventures
Design Stories
Flexform
Five homes, effortlessly yours
August Collections
Thailand: A creative legacy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand
Haven of History
Tai O Heritage Hotel
Hong Kong’s new global landmark takes centre stage
The Henderson
Your perfect tasting menu in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Hong Kong’s new story begins
Central Yards
A new era
Landmark
A sense of place
Sino Group
World Governments Summit 2026: Shaping our global future
World Governments Summit
Widen your world with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines
Sharjah Collection: Modern hospitality redefined
Sharjah Collection
Island of Light
Paradores
Welcome to Jing’an, the heart of Shanghai
Jing An Kerry Centre
EVENTS
Monocle in Athens, from 23 April
From 23 April, a curated selection of Monocle products will be available at The Store at The Ilisian, a new retail space within the Conrad Athens, which is one of the hottest openings this…
Monocle in Shanghai, 25 April – 30 June
Our first pop-up shop and café in Shanghai at the Jing An Kerry Centre. Enjoy good coffee and classic bites from the Monocle Café in a space designed for reading and browsing.
Monocle at Thuma New York, 01 May – 31 May
This May, Monocle will take up residence at Thuma’s New York flagship shop and café in Soho. Set within the brand’s calm, design-led space, the Monocle edit will present a curated selection of merchandise…
