Ed Stocker
How Milan’s central Brera neighbourhood became a premier creative hub
Home to hundreds of showrooms and events where brands compete for visibility, Brera is one of Milan Design Week’s most bustling areas. This is the story of how a historic district became a premier…
Milan’s new openings close the gap between the first drink and last dance
A new wave of openings has been shaking up Milan’s sometimes predictable nightlife scene. With their elevated approach to lighting, seating, sound and food, these are the venues that will energise your evenings out.
On the hunt for a reliable everyday ride? Here are four high-quality bike makers you should know
From city commuters to long-distance road racers, these are makers who pride themselves on sturdy construction and steady riding.
Inside the Brazilian embassy in Rome: The diplomatic keepers of Italian heritage
The Italian capital's 17th-century masterpiece, Palazzo Pamphilj, is going through a considered restoration under the direction of the Brazilian embassy.
‘Think globally but act locally’: Gildo Zegna on his plans for the growing luxury conglomerate
Gildo Zegna, the CEO-turned-chair of the Zegna Group, sits down with Monocle to discuss succession, learning to say no and his global brand strategy.
‘Don’t buy the watch – buy the seller’: Massimo Bernardini on carving out a niche in the vintage timepiece market
Massimo Bernardini entered the world of vintage jewellery by chance. He’s since built a reputation as a go-to dealer for those in search of a rare timekeeper.
Sanremo Music Festival is blander than ever. Italians deserve more spice
One Italian newspaper calls it Italy’s Super Bowl. A more accurate description for Sanremo Music Festival might be a cross between Eurovision and New York’s Met Gala – albeit a more insular version. Regardless,…
‘Good deeds should be done in silence’: Meet the anti-graffiti artist working in secret to clean the walls of Brescia
Working in the dead of night, Ghost Pitùr is on a one-man mission to rid his Lombardian city of graffiti.
Meet the artisans of Como, reviving craft in an age of mass production
Craft is alive and well in Lombardy and so is a simple lesson: Making things in cities still matters.
‘Figure skating is art’: Italy’s Valentina Marchei on the Olympic spirit and taking life lessons from the ice
The figure skater discusses the demands of a long career on the ice and the ‘compromise with yourself’ that comes with switching from singles to pairs skating.
