Culture
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Wicked way
From accountant to adult film scriptwriter, Joy King tells Monocle about her love for conjuring up steamy scenes and her efforts to boost the image of her business, Wicked Pictures.
Mixed signals
New technology and tighter budgets mean TV news is downsizing from expensive satellite broadcasts to low-quality broadband clips. Is this about immediacy, or just an excuse to cut costs?
Art market
Christie’s is posting one of its biggest auctioneers, François Curiel, to head up its Asian HQ in Hong Kong. He will lead the house's expansion in one of the most promising post-recession art markets.
Urban legends
Since 2003, ‘Next American City’ magazine has made urban planning a national debate. Its founders have lofty ambitions and won't be satisfied until they have changed the world.
Observation
Amid economic turbulence, too many retailers have given up trying to provide decent service. But some shops know what a difference good service makes, inspiring Monocle’s retail adventures, writes Tyler Brûlé.
Bedroom renegade
Shobhaa De’s novels and socialite lifestyle enthrall and infuriate India. Critics call her books trashy, but supporters say she has done much to get a conservative nation talking about sex and feminism.
Voice of a nation
In multi-lingual Switzerland, TV presenter Rainer Maria Salzgeber’s football coverage is a rare unifying experience. He says the sport can help the nation become more tolerant of different cultures.
Soap opera tourism
A wave of Arab tourism is washing over Istanbul - and it's all because of racy Turkish soap operas. Last season Noor, the most popular, was watched by 85 million people across the Arab…
