Men’s and womenswear / Global
Stay sharp
Fix up for the freeze with this cosy yet crisp mix of styles to add to your winter wardrobe.
Styling:Shun Katakai & Kyoko Tamoto
Hair & make-up:Keita Iijima
Models:Takeshi Watanabe & Sawa
L MONOCLE
Editor’s letter
Time for a new bureau, we thought. But with so many great places to choose from, where would prove to be the perfect fit? It’s been a tough decision process but now our editor in chief can reveal the city that’s won us over...The opener
Fear of a mirthless retail future, media in Marrakech, pigeons in Aarhus and the FCC in HK: an appealing assortment from all corners of the world.Read on
With Finland’s love of libraries well established, we head to a Helsinki haunt that typifies the country’s bookish ways.’Tis the season
Once a twinkle in Hong Kong’s eye, its festive obsession has grown into an all-out spectacle.My cabinet
For Lebanese rockers Mashrou’ Leila, a trusted crew is vital to make sure their music is heard over the controversy.Cosy corner
Lorin Stein, critic and editor, on his default setting – reading – and why he’s more committed to ‘The Paris Review’ than ever.
Softly does it
Our annual survey of the nations that best use their gentler sides to get things done.Reversal of fortune
The former Brazilian president was a phenomenon before his fall from grace. But with elections approaching, is there one more twist in the tale of Lula?Rolling in the aisles
For the world’s biggest trolley-maker, online retail isn’t a problem – it’s a challenge. Meet Wanzl, a company that knows what direction it’s heading in.Building society
A former construction yard has been brought back to life by businesses that are working together to grow – quite literally.Winter warmers
Christmas markets are a regular fixture of the festive season – but in Mitteleuropa they’re also big business.National treasure
While its famous print brand goes boutique, National Geographic is betting on premium – from TV to events.Good on paper
Italy is a land of print. One such publication is the punchy periodical ‘Internazionale’ that, since the 1990s, has been selecting what it considers to be the best of international journalism and translating it into Italian. But there’s a lot more to it than that...Living with a legend
Aarhus city hall was built as a statement of faith in the future during Denmark’s darkest days. Today its stunningly preserved design is still inspiring civic pride.Artistic merit
Jordan’s capital is using its creativity – and a whole lot of calligraphy – to rewrite its reputation for art and design.Fixed abodes
Welcome to The Sea Ranch. Newcomers are encouraged – as long as they adhere to the aesthetic of this natural wonderPerfect setting
Laying on a spread this Christmas? Luminaries from the worlds of design, hospitality and diplomacy reveal what makes a terrific table.Bottoms up
Christmas and New Year is a time for looking back, unwinding, unwrapping and making resolutions – and what better way to indulge all of these than with a festive cocktail or sipping fine wine in front of the fire? We’ve asked the experts for their favourite tipples and star concoctions this season.Knitty gritty
He delights in the detail but, for the founder of knitwear label John Sterner, provenance is also a priority – so before launching the collection he bought a sheep farm.Good for the goose
Historic outerwear brand Canada Goose is riding a tailwind of shifting consumer habits all the way to Europe and beyond. As the coat-maker migrates from North America and launches a new line of knitwear, could it be about to lay another golden egg?
Politics briefing
Malaysia’s sporting MP and why small states should always behave like small states (apparently).Diplomacy briefing
Checking in with the ambassador in Rome, why Japan is looking to Latin America and the art of the ambassadorial Christmas card.Defence briefing
The Afghan airforce’s new Black Hawk helicopters and a sartorial shift for the US army.Cities briefing
Zürich is considering artificial islands to house its growing population and there’s a global push to unearth forgotten rivers.Business briefing
A new emporium for Japanese crafts in Singapore, a Czech glassware company gets a brand revamp and which countries spend the most on Christmas.Architecture briefing
From a small studio in Mallorca to a UK factory that's also a creative space, showroom and museum, we round up the best in global design.Food & drink briefing
The best in drinking and dining, from a Sydney stop-in to a Chicago canteen and Athenian deli.Fashion briefing
We ponder whether fashion brands can sell happiness, plus the best autumn/winter looks from Margaret Howell and New Zealand's Kowtow, among others/
Pure and simple
We talk to Sumie about her subtle second album, a quiet triumph of wistful restraint.
Christmas shopping in Helsinki
The first stop-off in our three-part sleigh tour brings us to the Finnish capital for festive finery.Christmas shopping in Kyoto
Forget big-box shops or available-anywhere finds. Japan’s former capital is a haven for crafty shoppers and those looking for something a little different.Christmas shopping in Boston
Forget New York and Los Angeles, this East Coast city features some of the best shopping outposts in the US and is the perfect place in which to pick up a few yuletide favourites.The directory
Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.
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