Editor’s letter
Tyler Brûlé has a simple word of advice for retail consultants – and that word is ‘Linda’.Up and at ’em
Picking yourself up after a fall isn’t easy – especially for refugee children. But a Swiss mountaineer has found a way to help them scale the heights: climbing up a lorry.Team culture
After decades dodging the issue of art looted by the Nazis, France has set up a new mission to find the heirs to thousands of works that have lain unclaimed for decades.My cabinet
The Victoria and Albert Museum’s experts are rallying to move its vast store to a modern facility.Cosy corner
The editor in chief of ‘Zeit Magazin’ on where he goes to shoot the breeze over a first-rate cocktail.
North star
Nicola Sturgeon on fighting Brexit, boosting brand Scotland and leading the charge for independence.Ari Shapiro
He’s reported on Isis in Iraq and presidential elections and is now one of the most listened to news broadcasters. With a toastie in hand, he talks about foraging and trust.Cult leader
Dover Street Market and Commes des Garçons CEO Adrian Joffe sheds light on the high-fashion haven’s inner workings.
Politics briefing
We meet Finland’s interior minister and take stock of China’s plans for its 70th anniversary.Defence briefing
Russian construction in Gogland is making Finland nervous and the US makes an eyebrow-raising purchase from the Israelis.Diplomacy briefing
Canada’s ambassador for women, peace and security talks progress and problems; plus who’s winning in the diplomatic stakes between Serbia and Kosovo.Cities briefing
Copenhagen’s mayor explains why even the best cities should focus on improving top-notch transport and Kobe bans high-rise residents in its urban core.Business briefing
A Swiss boatmaker using great design to stay afloat and how Hasselblad is staying relevant.Architecture briefing
The brave design of a new beachside pavilion in Melbourne and a school in India using good architecture to enhance its students educationFood & Drink Briefing
Top tables and food finds from across the globe; plus a simple and sumptuous recipe.
Over the rainbow
The uncertainty of extreme weather is spurring both altruists and entrepreneurs to finesse our forecasts.Go figure
When brands want their clothes to look their best, they reach out to mannequin-maker La Rosa.Looking sharp
With its diverse produce and deep commitment to staff and the community, leading family-run supermarket chain Cactus could teach retailers around the world a thing or two.Heaven sent
Houses of worship tend to have a distinct look and feel – but are these tropes out of date? We visit the buildings rewriting the rules for holy architecture.Fine lines
Aspen might be known for its spectacular skiing but it’s also home to an architectural legacy left by a gifted Bauhaus master.Art of the possible
Kengo Kuma has designed a new museum in Turkey that is aiming to put locals in the frame.Thing of beauty
Amorepacific’s HQ is challenging traditional office-design concepts in the South Korean capital and aims to nurture healthier, happier workers – while increasing productivity of course.Grape minds
We meet the dynamic new wave of Burgundy-based winemakers who are doing things a little differently.The autumn manifesto
The most exciting period in the fashion calendar is back, as jumpers, coats, woolly hats and chunky shoes are welcomed into the wardrobe for war with the elements.Looking fly
Jeans: an essential item that are as practical as they are fashionable. Smart, casual or somewhere in between – our picks for men and women will never fall out of favour.From farm to face
Creating cosmetics from surplus farming produce is the latest trend in agriculture. We meet the folk sowing the seeds.Crest of a wave
Noah may have surf/street roots but it’s delivering a sophisticated retail model based on community, transparency and some colourful clothes.Top of the class
Tel Aviv’s Shenkar College is one of the world’s best fashion schools, where design skills and technical nous go hand in hand. But what happens after graduation?Sweet spot
Shoppers want quality at the right price. Meet the brands creating a market where nothing costs more than €500.
Cities at 07:00: Seoul
Need some inspiration to get out of bed? Look no further; we visit three cities at sunrise to show you what lies in store for early birds. First up: Seoul.Cities at 7:00: San Francisco
San Francisco is relatively quiet before 08.00 so rise early to run, cycle or surf – and see the best of what the city has to offer.Cities at 7:00: Sydney
Sydneysiders are early birds and why wouldn’t they be when they’ve got it all: surfing, swimming and superb coffee.Open for business
We visit a US wellness retreat with a soothing Japanese-Scandinavian twist, an art deco boutique hotel in the Middle East and a luxurious guesthouse in Italy.Magic moments
Morocco may only be a short hop across the Med from Europe but it is another world. When you’re surrounded by salesmen flaunting their wares in souks, robed figures rushing to prayer and ancient palaces decked with dazzling tiles, it’s easy to fall under its spell. We bring you the best spots to visit in enthralling Marrakech, the Atlantic-coast metropolis of Casablanca and the northernmost cliff-side city of Tangier.Bring a friend
Playtime takes on a whole new meaning at Tokyo holiday home Trunk House.Best in class
Keen to keep business in full bloom, this garden centre offers so much more than its plants.
Monocle’s autumn fashion special has arrived. Among numerous stylish features we delve deep into the story of Comme des Garçons, shedding light on how fashion’s most idiosyncratic empire is run. We also find out who owns the weather, pull up a pew with Nicola Sturgeon and preview a season of cultural delights.
Issue 127
October 2019
At the front
Editor’s letter
Tyler Brûlé has a simple word of advice for retail consultants – and that word is ‘Linda’.Up and at ’em
Picking yourself up after a fall isn’t easy – especially for refugee children. But a Swiss mountaineer has found a way to help them scale the heights: climbing up a lorry.Team culture
After decades dodging the issue of art looted by the Nazis, France has set up a new mission to find the heirs to thousands of works that have lain unclaimed for decades.My cabinet
The Victoria and Albert Museum’s experts are rallying to move its vast store to a modern facility.Cosy corner
The editor in chief of ‘Zeit Magazin’ on where he goes to shoot the breeze over a first-rate cocktail.
The opener
Affairs
Interview
North star
Nicola Sturgeon on fighting Brexit, boosting brand Scotland and leading the charge for independence.Ari Shapiro
He’s reported on Isis in Iraq and presidential elections and is now one of the most listened to news broadcasters. With a toastie in hand, he talks about foraging and trust.Cult leader
Dover Street Market and Commes des Garçons CEO Adrian Joffe sheds light on the high-fashion haven’s inner workings.
Briefing
Politics briefing
We meet Finland’s interior minister and take stock of China’s plans for its 70th anniversary.Defence briefing
Russian construction in Gogland is making Finland nervous and the US makes an eyebrow-raising purchase from the Israelis.Diplomacy briefing
Canada’s ambassador for women, peace and security talks progress and problems; plus who’s winning in the diplomatic stakes between Serbia and Kosovo.Cities briefing
Copenhagen’s mayor explains why even the best cities should focus on improving top-notch transport and Kobe bans high-rise residents in its urban core.Business briefing
A Swiss boatmaker using great design to stay afloat and how Hasselblad is staying relevant.Architecture briefing
The brave design of a new beachside pavilion in Melbourne and a school in India using good architecture to enhance its students educationFood & Drink Briefing
Top tables and food finds from across the globe; plus a simple and sumptuous recipe.
Q&A
Report
Over the rainbow
The uncertainty of extreme weather is spurring both altruists and entrepreneurs to finesse our forecasts.Go figure
When brands want their clothes to look their best, they reach out to mannequin-maker La Rosa.Looking sharp
With its diverse produce and deep commitment to staff and the community, leading family-run supermarket chain Cactus could teach retailers around the world a thing or two.Heaven sent
Houses of worship tend to have a distinct look and feel – but are these tropes out of date? We visit the buildings rewriting the rules for holy architecture.Fine lines
Aspen might be known for its spectacular skiing but it’s also home to an architectural legacy left by a gifted Bauhaus master.Art of the possible
Kengo Kuma has designed a new museum in Turkey that is aiming to put locals in the frame.Thing of beauty
Amorepacific’s HQ is challenging traditional office-design concepts in the South Korean capital and aims to nurture healthier, happier workers – while increasing productivity of course.Grape minds
We meet the dynamic new wave of Burgundy-based winemakers who are doing things a little differently.The autumn manifesto
The most exciting period in the fashion calendar is back, as jumpers, coats, woolly hats and chunky shoes are welcomed into the wardrobe for war with the elements.Looking fly
Jeans: an essential item that are as practical as they are fashionable. Smart, casual or somewhere in between – our picks for men and women will never fall out of favour.From farm to face
Creating cosmetics from surplus farming produce is the latest trend in agriculture. We meet the folk sowing the seeds.Crest of a wave
Noah may have surf/street roots but it’s delivering a sophisticated retail model based on community, transparency and some colourful clothes.Top of the class
Tel Aviv’s Shenkar College is one of the world’s best fashion schools, where design skills and technical nous go hand in hand. But what happens after graduation?Sweet spot
Shoppers want quality at the right price. Meet the brands creating a market where nothing costs more than €500.
10 steps to success
Preview
Shoot
Inventory
Cities at 07:00: Seoul
Need some inspiration to get out of bed? Look no further; we visit three cities at sunrise to show you what lies in store for early birds. First up: Seoul.Cities at 7:00: San Francisco
San Francisco is relatively quiet before 08.00 so rise early to run, cycle or surf – and see the best of what the city has to offer.Cities at 7:00: Sydney
Sydneysiders are early birds and why wouldn’t they be when they’ve got it all: surfing, swimming and superb coffee.Open for business
We visit a US wellness retreat with a soothing Japanese-Scandinavian twist, an art deco boutique hotel in the Middle East and a luxurious guesthouse in Italy.Magic moments
Morocco may only be a short hop across the Med from Europe but it is another world. When you’re surrounded by salesmen flaunting their wares in souks, robed figures rushing to prayer and ancient palaces decked with dazzling tiles, it’s easy to fall under its spell. We bring you the best spots to visit in enthralling Marrakech, the Atlantic-coast metropolis of Casablanca and the northernmost cliff-side city of Tangier.Bring a friend
Playtime takes on a whole new meaning at Tokyo holiday home Trunk House.Best in class
Keen to keep business in full bloom, this garden centre offers so much more than its plants.
Shopping
Expo
