Design
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French twist
Monocle makes for a rendezvous in the quiet backstreets and canals of Paris’s 10th arrondissement in spring’s freshest ensembles for work days and weekends.
Show must go on
In the shadow of a retail slowdown, this year’s Pitti Immagine Uomo had an air of solidarity and optimism, with bright, playful clothing bucking the usual neutrals of ‘recession chic’.
Watch word
The watch season kicked off early in Geneva at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), a tour of blue-chip brands that saw the unveiling of Ralph Lauren’s new collection.
Over drive
Car sales have collapsed but the economy is not the only problem: too many vehicles are design lemons. This could be the year car design makes its comeback with daring, innovative models.
Only salone
Il Salone del Mobile, the world’s biggest furniture fair, is a bellwether of the industry and a showcase for new ideas. Monocle finds out that the immediate future looks promising.
Intelligent fashion
The transition from winter to spring wardrobe should be a seamless exercise. When stripping off layers can throw up insecurities, Monocle creates six looks for an easy seasonal switch.
Architecture/design
Monocle's picks from the Stockholm furniture fair, an interview with Salvadoran duo the Washingtons, a layered house in Hokkaido and a pad that warms the cockles in the chilly far north of Norway.
Architecture/design
Japanese architect Yasuhiro Yamashita talks us through his aluminium housing project, plus a new landmark in Ljubljana and the traditional Japanese washi paper finding new markets.
Light bulb moment
Formerly a light bulb manufacturer, Shotoku began making hand-blown glassware in the 1950s. Today its ultra-thin Usuhari glasses are the toast of the town. And it still continues to innovate.
