Editor’s letter
Tyler Brûlé issues a gentle reminder of the need to reconnect with life’s simple pleasures.The Ten
It didn’t take long for Frieze to find its Californian groove and the UK art fair is back in Los Angeles this month. Plus: training the lens on the male; farce and fantasy on stage and page; a new Nigerian journal offering a fresh African insight; and why you should have Georgia on your mind – and playlists.
The opener
How to improve street lighting, shopfronts and city transit, a celebration of rats’ lives and dogs’ dinners and why the solution to our modern malaise is simplicity itself.Paddle power
As developers eye New York’s Gowanus Canal, Ed Stocker takes to the water in one of the city's grubbiest but most interesting corners.Dummy run
As adolescent entrepreneurs embrace Canada’s gig economy, the training of babysitters is undergoing a growth spurt.My cabinet
Nightingale Housing is building a new model of sustainable living.Cosy corner
Among the art-laden walls of Zürich’s Kronenhalle, photographer Michel Comte has found lifelong respite from his globetrotting work with the famous and fashionable.
Building society
Colombia’s newest city, Serena del Mar, is an experiment in privately funded urbanism.Back in business
Despite the political challenges tainting its name in the West, Myanmar is making steady economic progress – thanks, partly, to new-found friends.Second life
Many people dream of leaving the office behind and pursuing something more fulfilling. But what happens when you actually do it? From an engineer-turned-carpenter to an accountant-cum-beekeeper, we meet six people who handed in their notice and reshaped their lives.Duty calls
More people than ever are flying, which means more shoppers pondering a buy before boarding – but how can retailers rise up and meet soaring customer expecations?Waste warriors
The vast amounts of plastic dumped in Senegal is suffocating the West African nation. But it is finally waking up to the problem as companies drive forward initiatives to help the country clean up its act.Shared passion
Art collectors Mera and Don Rubell have found a suitably generous new space to display their remarkable collection.Grey pride
Fashion and lifestyle magazines aimed at the over sixties are appearing on newsstands across Japan. And by taking a positive and inclusive approach to a long-neglected demographic, publishers are realising the spending power of the ‘nice generation’.Still standing
If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise: a cluster of modernist masterpieces that will transport you to Cape Cod’s creative past.Clear vision
In a world of too-bright LED lights, respected Spanish brand Marset casts a warmer glow on the business of lamp design. We meet the enlightened makers at its new HQ.In with the Old
Time and many thoughtless refurbishments have diminished French architect and designer Maxime Old’s legacy. But, thankfully, two of his most glorious interiors have been preserved in Rouen.Pacific plates
Known for its natural beauty, Orcas Island has been growing a community-based culinary scene as organic as the fresh produce on which it relies.My last meal: Amanda Lear
Singer, model, muse, actress and close confidante of many a major star, the ‘disco Marlene Dietrich’ returns to the restaurant where she used to dine with Dalí and tells us how her affair with David Bowie got off to a shaky start.Sharp darts
Heritage sense paired with modern sensibilities sets these Pugliese blazer brands apart.Making the cut
Rejina Pyo’s eponymous label was struggling to take off but a bold last-ditch collection launched the brand sky high.
Politics Briefing
Cyprus gets a boost from natural gas, Iran’s election and unlikely animal mascots.Diplomacy Briefing
The power of personal relationships in peace talks and the relationship between the US and UK.Defence Briefing
The Chagos Islands, Canada’s first female sergeant major and the UAE's arms industry.Cities Briefing
We speak to Phoenix’s young and upcoming mayor and explore the (very) hot topic of pyrogeography.Architecture briefing
From a French-influences Montréal studio to a green building in the heart of Taipei, we highlight some of the design industry's best new works.Food & Drink Briefing
Culinary scoops from Lisbon to Brisbane, plus wine from Oregon and a recipe for gyoza.Fashion Briefing
Aspesi's new CEO, a soprtswear destination in San Francisco and the latest watch from Chopard.
Inventory: a global round-up
Starting the new year on the right foot, we head for gentle exercise: climbing in Innsbruck, surfing in Margaret River, hiking in Vancouver and Swimming in Tel Aviv.Well kitted out
We visit the shops that are getting us moving, from skiing to surfing – all while looking our very best in athletic wear.Into the wild
Venture out and explore the great outdoors – but not without a hardy pair of boots, a rainproof jacket and all the gear you might need on your hike through the wilderness.Travel briefing
Whether you’d plump for an oasis of calm in Cuba or a remarkable fjord-side conversion in Norway, we’ve got your getaway plan covered.Gently does it
From soothing swims in Athens to sleep-easy stays in South Africa, our restful agenda comprises escapes and retreats to help you slow down, unwind and live in the moment.
The fresh-feeling February issue of Monocle is home to our Gentle Manifesto for the year ahead: simple fixes and friendly nudges to make this year better than the last. Inside you’ll find an urban experiment in Cartagena, tales from the folk who quit their jobs and followed a different course, and a new museum in Miami. Plus: Amanda Lear’s ‘last meal’, the road to architectural enlightenment in Rouen and some sporty suggestions for 2020.
Issue 130
February
Other
Editor’s letter
Tyler Brûlé issues a gentle reminder of the need to reconnect with life’s simple pleasures.The Ten
It didn’t take long for Frieze to find its Californian groove and the UK art fair is back in Los Angeles this month. Plus: training the lens on the male; farce and fantasy on stage and page; a new Nigerian journal offering a fresh African insight; and why you should have Georgia on your mind – and playlists.
At the front
The opener
How to improve street lighting, shopfronts and city transit, a celebration of rats’ lives and dogs’ dinners and why the solution to our modern malaise is simplicity itself.Paddle power
As developers eye New York’s Gowanus Canal, Ed Stocker takes to the water in one of the city's grubbiest but most interesting corners.Dummy run
As adolescent entrepreneurs embrace Canada’s gig economy, the training of babysitters is undergoing a growth spurt.My cabinet
Nightingale Housing is building a new model of sustainable living.Cosy corner
Among the art-laden walls of Zürich’s Kronenhalle, photographer Michel Comte has found lifelong respite from his globetrotting work with the famous and fashionable.
Report
Building society
Colombia’s newest city, Serena del Mar, is an experiment in privately funded urbanism.Back in business
Despite the political challenges tainting its name in the West, Myanmar is making steady economic progress – thanks, partly, to new-found friends.Second life
Many people dream of leaving the office behind and pursuing something more fulfilling. But what happens when you actually do it? From an engineer-turned-carpenter to an accountant-cum-beekeeper, we meet six people who handed in their notice and reshaped their lives.Duty calls
More people than ever are flying, which means more shoppers pondering a buy before boarding – but how can retailers rise up and meet soaring customer expecations?Waste warriors
The vast amounts of plastic dumped in Senegal is suffocating the West African nation. But it is finally waking up to the problem as companies drive forward initiatives to help the country clean up its act.Shared passion
Art collectors Mera and Don Rubell have found a suitably generous new space to display their remarkable collection.Grey pride
Fashion and lifestyle magazines aimed at the over sixties are appearing on newsstands across Japan. And by taking a positive and inclusive approach to a long-neglected demographic, publishers are realising the spending power of the ‘nice generation’.Still standing
If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a big surprise: a cluster of modernist masterpieces that will transport you to Cape Cod’s creative past.Clear vision
In a world of too-bright LED lights, respected Spanish brand Marset casts a warmer glow on the business of lamp design. We meet the enlightened makers at its new HQ.In with the Old
Time and many thoughtless refurbishments have diminished French architect and designer Maxime Old’s legacy. But, thankfully, two of his most glorious interiors have been preserved in Rouen.Pacific plates
Known for its natural beauty, Orcas Island has been growing a community-based culinary scene as organic as the fresh produce on which it relies.My last meal: Amanda Lear
Singer, model, muse, actress and close confidante of many a major star, the ‘disco Marlene Dietrich’ returns to the restaurant where she used to dine with Dalí and tells us how her affair with David Bowie got off to a shaky start.Sharp darts
Heritage sense paired with modern sensibilities sets these Pugliese blazer brands apart.Making the cut
Rejina Pyo’s eponymous label was struggling to take off but a bold last-ditch collection launched the brand sky high.
Briefing
Politics Briefing
Cyprus gets a boost from natural gas, Iran’s election and unlikely animal mascots.Diplomacy Briefing
The power of personal relationships in peace talks and the relationship between the US and UK.Defence Briefing
The Chagos Islands, Canada’s first female sergeant major and the UAE's arms industry.Cities Briefing
We speak to Phoenix’s young and upcoming mayor and explore the (very) hot topic of pyrogeography.Architecture briefing
From a French-influences Montréal studio to a green building in the heart of Taipei, we highlight some of the design industry's best new works.Food & Drink Briefing
Culinary scoops from Lisbon to Brisbane, plus wine from Oregon and a recipe for gyoza.Fashion Briefing
Aspesi's new CEO, a soprtswear destination in San Francisco and the latest watch from Chopard.
Expo
Shoot
Inventory
Inventory: a global round-up
Starting the new year on the right foot, we head for gentle exercise: climbing in Innsbruck, surfing in Margaret River, hiking in Vancouver and Swimming in Tel Aviv.Well kitted out
We visit the shops that are getting us moving, from skiing to surfing – all while looking our very best in athletic wear.Into the wild
Venture out and explore the great outdoors – but not without a hardy pair of boots, a rainproof jacket and all the gear you might need on your hike through the wilderness.Travel briefing
Whether you’d plump for an oasis of calm in Cuba or a remarkable fjord-side conversion in Norway, we’ve got your getaway plan covered.Gently does it
From soothing swims in Athens to sleep-easy stays in South Africa, our restful agenda comprises escapes and retreats to help you slow down, unwind and live in the moment.
