Uphill struggle

Sochi, a Black Sea beach resort popular with Putin and Siberian retirees, was the surprise choice to host the 2014 Winter Olympics – it lacks proper sewers for a start. So before it can cater for an expected one million visitors, the region needs new roads, pistes, hotels and an army of cooks.
Theatre of war

Since the War in Afghanistan began in 2001, Nato, US and Afghan troops have attempted to restore order in the country. Yet today 10 per cent of the nation is in Taliban hands, the drug trade is rife and suicide bombers are a constant threat. Many, including the US, feel that the solution lies in building up the Afghan National Army (current strength 45,000) but there is a shortage of skilled military leaders to train them. That’s why the US Marines have created their own Taliban stronghold – in Nevada.
Park life

The state of Santa Catarina in Brazil is booming, luring firms with its fortuitous location and skilled labour force. And Florianópolis, its capital, is regarded as one of the best places to live in the country.
Under growth

With roads gridlocked, delivering goods in the world’s cities is a growing problem. One engineer believes the answer lies in underground Victorian-style pneumatic pipes and he has some powerful backers.
Oil painting

Dubai and its neighbours have come to believe that even seven-star luxury and tax-free sunshine can seem stale without culture. Monocle visits Art Dubai to see who’s buying and ask if an oil state can reinvent itself as a capital of culture.
Best in class

School architecture needn’t be grey, dull and uniform. The inspired redesign of Oslo International School by architects Jarmund/Vigsnæs is not just ticking style boxes but proves that an exciting study environment has a noticeably calming effect on its pupils.
Fast Finnish

In Finland, organic produce makes up just 1.5 per cent of the food market. One deli is feeding this nascent movement by creating a new fast-food retail concept that combines fresh, healthy fare with well-thought-out design.

Work wear / Denmark

Divine office

The occasional open-neck shirt, a wool/linen suit, an almost-sexy belt, a retro satchel: sartorial details to get you seen but not heard. Office wear should be relaxed but effortlessly smart – it helps if you have a work environment to match.

Edited by: Alton Hetariki

Photography: Jork Weismann

Working a look

You’re likely to spend most of your time there, so there’s no excuse for badly designed offices. Understated elegant Danish style and exquisite finishes are something we would like to see more of in the workplace. Energinet.DK, which owns, operates and develops the transmission systems for electricity and natural gas in all of Denmark, shows it is switched on with its new HQ designed by Danish architects Hvidt & Mølgaard. Located in picturesque Jutland, the warm interior reflects its rural surroundings with an airy, light space featuring plenty of glass and high ceilings. The building has a central courtyard and an uplifting spacious foyer. Custom-crafted booths in ash wood featuring snug benches and tables are perfect for those impromptu meetings and quiet espresso breaks. Workstations are kept simple, with furniture from Paustian, and lighting is soft. Hvidt & Mølgaard, headquartered in Copenhagen, was established in 1944.

Wool/linen suit by Kilgour, cotton shirt by Hackett, silk tie by Gieves & Hawkes
Jacket and silk blouse by Gucci, linen skirt by Calvin Klein, watch by TAG Heuer, leather bag by Hugo Boss
Cotton shirt and waistcoat both by Dunhill, glasses by Prada
Wool waistcoat by Salvatore Ferragamo, silk dress by YSL, shoes by Tod’s
Cotton suit, shirt and silk tie all by Gieves & Hawkes, watch by Patek Philippe
Linen jacket by Loro Piana, polo shirt by Z Zegna, cotton trousers by Incotex, belt by Dunhill

7 & 8. Cotton blazer and trousers both by Z Zegna, cotton shirt by Glanshirt, silk tie by Gucci, sweater by John Smedley, suede loafers and leather satchel both by Paul Smith

Wool/linen suit by Kilgour, cotton shirt by Hackett, silk tie by Gieves & Hawkes, shoes by Prada, briefcase by Louis Vuitton, watch by Breitling
Polo shirt by Zanone, cotton trousers by Kilgour, shoes by Paul Smith, watch by Breitling
Knit cardigan by Louis Vuitton, silk scarf by Gianfranco Ferré, skirt by Wunderkind, crystal belt by Giorgio Armani, watch by Patek Philippe, bag by Hogan

Models
Sally Taylor & Benoit Marechal

Hair & make-up
Trine Lee

Americas briefing

Europe briefing

Oceania briefing

Business briefing

Travel briefing

Culture briefing

Architecture/Design briefing

Fashion briefing

Uphill struggle

Theatre of war

Park life

Under growth

Oil painting

Best in class

Fast Finnish

Cyprus heal

A head for flights

Signs of the times

On the hop

Cabin fever

Up for sail

Bridging the gulf

Press for change

Divine office

Master of the robes

Reality bites

Kings of the hill

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