Ann Marie Gardner
Dark horizons
The collapse of Iceland’s banks sent shock waves through the nation. Job losses and mortgage increases are common complaints in Reykjavik, but some creative Icelanders are fighting back against the bleak mood.
20 new heroes
Monocle shortlists 20 individuals from politics, business, music and design to watch in 2009. By overcoming odds and thinking creatively, they have already helped make the world a better place.
Writing history
After Barack Obama's historic 2008 victory, Monocle asked foreign correspondents in the US what the election means for their country and their views on the new president elect.
Pipe dreams
In Canada’s far north, the frontier lifestyle is alive in Yellowknife. First they struck gold, then diamonds, and now gas. Today, those frontier folk are just as likely to be from Somalia.
Travel
With Seattle-based Ace Hotel Group’s revitalisation of the Breslin Hotel, a forgotten New York district just north of Madison Square Park is about to be relevant again.
Hammer time
In rugged Nova Scotia, the Ghost Laboratory summer camp gives architecture students a rare chance to build their own designs. But will this year's intake create liveable buildings or get carried away?
Design principal
The Rhode Island School of Design is buzzing about its new president: commercially aware digital theorist and renowned graphic designer John Maeda, a man as happy at Reebok as at MoMA.
Born to run
Hugo Chávez faces a new challenge from a charismatic opposition politician, Leopoldo López, who hopes to become mayor of Caracas. Can he bring peace to a city where 52 people are murdered every day?
Spiegel eye
Monocle speaks with Klaus Brinkbäumer, a US correspondent for German weekly Der Spiegel, about covering the US presidential elections and his interviews with McCain, Clinton, and the Obamas.
Hair raising
The Bronner Brothers’ first hair show attracted 300 people. Now one of the largest producers of African American haircare, their legendary trade shows are part circus, part religious meeting.
