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Let us introduce you to ten makers who bring craft to life by developing cultural dialogues and adding new twists to traditional practices. Each of their compelling stories cements Singapore’s position at the centre of a global network of influences. Indeed, this unique destination is the only place where this precise blend of perspectives could percolate.
Basket-weaving is almost like a dance for Annemarie O’Sullivan, who bends willow to her will in her workshop near Lewes in southeast England. Monocle Films captured an afternoon in the studio with O’Sullivan, hearing about her sensory connection to the materials that she employs. Read more about this story in the latest issue of Konfekt, purchase your copy today.
Bavaria’s rich manufacturing heritage shows that there is more to the region than the Alps, sausages and beer. Monocle Films takes a tour behind the scenes of renowned art materials manufacturers Faber-Castell, Gmund Papier mill and Theresienthal glassmakers to explore how traditional ways of making have endured thanks to a legacy of familial entrepreneurship.
Nature is a key source of inspiration for glass artist Michael Ruh, who has hand-crafted pieces for leading architects and brands, such as Fortnum & Mason. We visited his south London studio as production was underway for a new commission for The Birch Hotel to hear about his design process.
Monocle launched its inaugural Design Awards in early 2021 to celebrate the world’s best and brightest talents in architecture, graphic design and industrial design. We invite you to meet a global cast of winners as we celebrate pioneering design projects that make our lives healthier and happier, our cities smarter and our work more creative.
Perched above the buzz of Beverly Hills sits Casa Perfect, a gallery of contemporary design set in a spectacular modernist home. Its founder David Alhadeff shows us the wealth of remarkable art and architecture that is to be found in the varied neighbourhoods of this sunny city. Monocle Films has partnered with Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau to reveal hidden gems through the eyes of local creatives.
The unassuming Shimada Gama workshop in Gotsu doubles up as an open-air museum of traditional stoneware pottery. It specialises in creating large pieces that are burnt in a sloped wood-fired kiln. We talk to the 73-year-old master Shimada Takayuki about the challenges of passing the rare skill and aesthetic sensibility down to his son and grandson.
Japanese company Time & Style knows how to inject innovative spirit into traditional crafts. Over the past two decades its founder Ryutaro Yoshida has criss-crossed Japan to woo reluctant artisans to collaborate on modern designs. We meet him in the remote region of Shimane as he develops a series of handmade washi paper lamps.
The beauty of Japanese design has won fans around the world but it takes great panache to translate it to large-scale projects. We sit down with architect Kengo Kuma in his Tokyo office to talk about the recently completed Japan National Stadium. It’s a building that has given a new lease of life to traditional craftsmanship and stimulated local economies.
In 1928 Maruni Wood Industry was born out of a fascination with the masterful carpentry in ancient shrines. Today its furniture is found in the Californian headquarters of Apple as well as airport lounges, galleries and restaurants around the world. We meet the company’s president to talk about the challenges of managing a family-run business.
To celebrate our book about Japan, we are presenting a film series that dives into the intriguing ecosystem that has preserved Japanese traditional skills over centuries. Meet the people who are future-proofing the age-old know-how.
To celebrate the collaboration between Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and Japanese designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, we contemplate the pursuit of perfection to achieve timeless appeal.
To celebrate the launch of A. Lange & Söhne's limited-edition timepiece Datograph Up/Down Lumen, we speak to architect Joe Morris and photographer Polly Tootal about their creative processes – and how light informs their practice.
Find out more about the watch here.
We tour the stunning studios and recording halls of Funkhaus, east Berlin’s former communist broadcasting house.
Show-stopping design firm Santa & Cole takes inspiration from the Catalonian countryside and being just far away enough from bustling Barcelona.
Monocle Films has partnered with A. Lange & Söhne to uncover the mystery of how to create a sublime timepiece that will last for generations. We delve into the world of horology to see exactly how the masters do it.
Traffic-clogged and polluted London may not seem like a runner’s paradise. But there’s more to the city’s offerings than first meets the eye, with its windy streets, architectural variety and abundant greenery. We followed six runners in different neighbourhoods around the city, who share their favourite characteristics of London and how running helps them see their city in new ways.
Tracksmith is making its London debut in 2023. Its marathon training-focused pop-up is open now through March at 2 Chiltern Street, after which it will open its official London Trackhouse at 25 Chiltern Street.
The Jogos da Lusofonia are an Olympics-style sporting event for people from the world’s Portuguese-speaking nations. We dispatched John Balsom – a photographer known for his powerful portraits – to the 2009 games in Lisbon. In our latest film, Balsom shares his memories of the assignment and how he captured such a fast-paced sports story on vintage film cameras. Discover more with The Monocle Book of Photography, which is available to buy today.
Monocle’s Christmas market landed in our Midori House HQ with Glühwein, gifts, good cheer and reindeer last weekend. If you missed it, don’t despair, our Zürich Christmas market will happen on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December at Dufourstrasse 90.
From CNN’s Clarissa Ward on reporting in hotspots around the world to Magculture’s Jeremy Leslie on the future of print, here are some of the highlights from The Monocle Media Summit in London. Listen to more from the annual event here.
TV anchors, conflict reporters, radio presenters and magazine editors all shared the stage at The Monocle Media Summit and to mark Monocle 24’s 10th birthday in London. Watch some of the key moments from the day and listen to further coverage from the event here.
Designer Yinka Ilori discusses the design inspiration behind his temporary installation in London’s Canary Wharf and the importance of play in adulthood. Hear more on ‘Monocle on Design’ on Monocle 24.
Bringing guests into the kitchen is an ideal way to involve them. Bertie de Rougemont – founder of London’s chicest catering company, Cellar Society – certainly knows a thing or two about hosting. When he’s entertaining for friends, de Rougemont favours the smell of home cooking and perfectly chilled cocktails to get them in the mood. The InstaView™ Door-in-Door® display on the LG SIGNATURE Refrigerator also adds some drama when entertaining in the kitchen – once experienced there is no going back. Find out how to become the consummate host with LG SIGNATURE in our five-part “The art of hosting” series.
Hauser & Wirth is an international art gallery with its heart in the countryside. We visit its premises in Somerset to review a weird and wonderful show that looks at our relationship with the land.
We visit a monthly market in the unassuming Somerset town that’s proving an easy sell to locals, buoying local businesses and luring in punters from miles around.
Tyler Brûlé got the band back together again for the fifth annual Monocle Christmas Market last weekend. With Midori House transformed into our own winter wonderland, beloved brands from around the world shared a mulled wine with stallholders representing our favourite nations – and had an audience with a certain Santa Claus too.
Monocle Films heads to the leafy suburbs of southeast London, where entrepreneurs Peter Milne and Alex Beltran have given up their corporate jobs to set up a charming garden centre.
Regeneration on a human scale is at the heart of property developer Argent’s vision for London’s King’s Cross. Monocle Films explores the reality of its urban concept.
To celebrate the launch of Monocle’s first Kioskafe in Paddington, we talk to editor in chief Tyler Brûlé about the concept, branding and enduring appeal of print.
To celebrate Monocle’s 2015 Quality of Life Survey, editor in chief Tyler Brûlé and AkzoNobel hosted a midsummer party at our London headquarters. The event provided an opportunity to honour this year’s winners and celebrate the best cities to call home.
Tyler Brûlé and team got Christmas off to a merry start at Midori House with the third annual Monocle Christmas Market last weekend. Some of our most loved brands shared a mulled wine with stallholders representing our favourite nations – and met a few friendly reindeers, too.
From a lavender farm in the countryside to a denim mill revitalising a harbour town, Wales is using its traditions and craft to benefit new industries. Monocle films profiles two inspiring Welsh enterprises that are bringing international success home.
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In Monocle’s Property Survey special, we meet architects, developers and designers for a masterclass in building better cities and homes. Join us as we explore everything from car-free communities in the US and a creative-arts estate in Australia to a revamped neighbourhood in Bangkok. Plus: we meet the man in charge of the Panama Canal, check in with the global textile trade and take a seat at some of the world’s best late-night restaurants. It promises to be a whistle-stop tour – come along for the ride.
Catch one of Australia’s favourite chefs, Neil Perry, at his new Sydney pâtisserie, jet over to Hamburg to hear from renowned fashion designer Jil Sander and swing by Downtown Los Angeles to discover the best lunch spots, top shops and ornate boltholes with Monocle’s very own Concierge. In short, it’s an issue replete with opportunities, inspiration and fresh pathways to success. Pick up a copy of our latest issue today here.
In April, Monocle’s global leadership conference heads to Jakarta. Join Tyler Brûlé, Andrew Tuck and our senior editors for our fourth gathering of global business leaders. From valuable industry forecasts to practical advice on how to steer companies, this one-day conference promises inspiration and, most importantly, opportunities.
Find out more about the event and secure your ticket here.
Greece: The Monocle Handbook, is the latest in our series of vibrant country guides to inspire your next trip – or move. Looking to take the leap yourself? Buy your copy here.
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