Design
Page 207
Founding father
The Hong Kong International Art Fair is now a key date on art calendars. Founding director Magnus Renfrew on his work life, and how he created a prize show with billionaires and airplanes.
The Italian Masters
This year's Salone del Mobile coincided with the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification and much room was given to showcasing the country's unrivalled manufacturing heritage. Though a time for celebration, Monocle asked key players…
Playing footsie
Monocle pulls back the tablecloth at our favourite brasserie for a flash of heel, a hint of calf and a couple of handsome ankles and some good brogues, wedges and loafers.
One to watch
The BaselWorld watch fair is ticking over nicely. With watchmakers posting healthy profits, everything from jewel-encrusted timepieces to golden age classics are on display. And the trade chatter? Chinese and Brazilian markets.
Fresh start
Setting up shop on your own after three decades at a leading engineering firm is a huge leap of faith. For Cecil Balmond, running a nascent design company with his daughter seemed logical.
Making shelter
Housing manufacturers are providing prefabricated homes for those in areas worst hit by Japan’s tsunami. Monocle visits Rikuzen-Takata, where over a third of the town needs shelter.
Observation
The trouble with editing an issue featuring a design directory is that it immediately forces you to challenge and rethink most things in your daily routine, says Tyler Brûlé.
Cogan’s run
Andrew Cogan, CEO of design firm Knoll, has made some hard decisions while building a loyal team. His management style sees him choosing face-to-face meetings over Skype and Jay-Z over management tomes.
