Editor’s letter
Our editor in chief puts today’s turbulence in perspective and offers a smart approach.The opener
An architectural marvel in the Midwest, a swoon-worthy relic in London and why postcards are a tip-top social-networking tool.Cosy corner
Retailer Alex Eagle is realising her vision of covetable and lovingly selected womenswear, furniture and more at her loft boutique in London’s West End.Size matters
But bigger isn’t always better. In Japan, youngsters keen on life in central Tokyo are content in tiny apartments. Our correspondent squeezes in.That’s a wrap
You need an expert curator, scissor lift and feather duster to put on a show at the V&A. Our correspondent gets to see more than a bit of ankle as the finishing touches are applied to an exhibition about kimono.My cabinet
A trio of charismatic cousins is responsible for steering the success of Bilbao-based menswear brand Man 1924.
Running battles
After 14 years as Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales was forced to resign last November. Now exiled in Argentina, he is rallying supporters and seeking his party’s return to power.Power to the people
The recent protests in and around Beirut have dramatically altered the fabric of the city – but the more sustained change is in the mindset of the citizens.Forward thinking
We meet Thailand’s new pro-democracy leader who is facing a ban from politics.Balance of power
As foreign goverments and corporations circle Senegal’s newfound energy resources, its stable and progressive capital, Dakar, is learning how to best channel its influence and growth.Platform economy
With rail-passenger numbers predicted to fall, retail is keeping operators’ finances on track.Home from home
While many corporations remain faceless and sterile, coffee giant Lavazza has built an elegant workspace that inspires its staff and Turin’s community.Skeleton crew
When it comes to bones, Research Casting International is king of the dinosaurs. The Ontario restoration firm has made monsters for Hollywood, excavated an Ankylosaurus and – as the world’s museums continue to call – is seeing revenues soar.Something to ad
Out-of-home advertising – one of the oldest forms of promotion – is thriving in the modern market.Making a scene
Mexico’s second city, Guadalajara, is dynamic yet intimate. It entices emerging artists as well as collectors on the hunt for fresh talent.Building connections
Swissbau in Basel is a biennial window onto the pre-eminent Swiss construction industry – and a one-stop-shop for the world’s most forward-thinking architects.Finishing touch
A 1930s restaurant has been revived by chef Helena Puolakka and designer Ilse Crawford. We pull up a chair.Taken to a tasca
Even as fine dining makes its mark in Lisbon, the city’s traditional tascas – with their modest but comforting dishes – are enjoying a revival.Mehmet Gürs
The acclaimed Turkish chef and restaurateur recalls a few culinary crumbs from his youth and opts for oysters, wine and a berth on a boat for his fictional final feast.Calling the shots
Starting a fashion brand is hard. Making a success of it is harder. We meet six of the best leaders in the business.Breaking news
Want to crack America? Fashion showrooms are the engines under the shining chassis of the industry. And Stella Ishii runs one of the most influential on the block.
Diplomacy Briefing
Wolfgang Ischinger on why we should talk to adversaries, a small-country play for the UN Security Council and why Japan is opening an embassy in Kosovo.Politics Briefing
Norway’s young environment minister, US election endorsements and why the UAE is looking to Mars.Defence Briefing
Why navies are using more drones, Japan’s controversial border force and Australia’s anti-ship missiles.Cities Briefing
Delhi’s grand avenue gets a makeover and Helsinki’s new chief design officer reveals her plans.Business Briefing
Japan goes west to seek new openings in Russia, how retail is helping bushfire-afflicted New South Wales and the shoes start-up putting a spring in your step.Architecture Briefing
An interview with Sou Fujimoto.Food Briefing
Our global menu of culinary developments.
The Ten
History feels alive and kicking this month. Our picks include a Netflix series about a pioneering African-American millionaire, Tom Stoppard’s personal new play and choreographers of the past on show in São Paulo. Plus: the art of board games and a New York photography fair.Fine lines
Our review of the latest in all things luxe takes in Japan’s one-site-fits-all emporium, some Lebanese couture in London and a truly fashion-conscious accessory.
Red shoe diaries
As a major Paris exhibition shows Christian Louboutin’s body of work, we talk to the designer about the benefits of owning your own maison, shifts within the fashion industry and how he keeps his label fresh.Lip service
With its new beauty métier, Hermès is hoping to capitalise on the booming demand for high-end cosmetics – starting with lipstick.
Net gains
The waters around Santa Barbara are producing sustainable catches that are challenging patrons and restaurant owners to ride a new wave of cooking and dining.Modern history
Facing demolition, the Dai-ichi Bank building had seen better days. But at the 11th hour, and with a nod to its illustrious past, the site has been rejuvenated as K5 hotel.Travel Briefing
From a hot-spring retreat to new openings in LA by way of Ho Chi Minh City, we bring you the headlines in hospitality and retail.Establishing order
So you’ve got the gear but how do you ensure that your clothes stay looking sharp? These elegant tools are tailored to that precise goal.
Monocle’s well turned-out April issue reveals a shift in how the luxury industry looks at the world. Expect interviews with leaders of top brands and retailers, a dedicated guide to Paris, reports on Lebanon’s quiet rebels and Dakar’s unexpected prosperity. Plus: the billboard boom and fresh reporting on everything from art to architecture and design to diplomacy.
Issue 132
April 2020
At the front
Editor’s letter
Our editor in chief puts today’s turbulence in perspective and offers a smart approach.The opener
An architectural marvel in the Midwest, a swoon-worthy relic in London and why postcards are a tip-top social-networking tool.Cosy corner
Retailer Alex Eagle is realising her vision of covetable and lovingly selected womenswear, furniture and more at her loft boutique in London’s West End.Size matters
But bigger isn’t always better. In Japan, youngsters keen on life in central Tokyo are content in tiny apartments. Our correspondent squeezes in.That’s a wrap
You need an expert curator, scissor lift and feather duster to put on a show at the V&A. Our correspondent gets to see more than a bit of ankle as the finishing touches are applied to an exhibition about kimono.My cabinet
A trio of charismatic cousins is responsible for steering the success of Bilbao-based menswear brand Man 1924.
Report
Running battles
After 14 years as Bolivia’s president, Evo Morales was forced to resign last November. Now exiled in Argentina, he is rallying supporters and seeking his party’s return to power.Power to the people
The recent protests in and around Beirut have dramatically altered the fabric of the city – but the more sustained change is in the mindset of the citizens.Forward thinking
We meet Thailand’s new pro-democracy leader who is facing a ban from politics.Balance of power
As foreign goverments and corporations circle Senegal’s newfound energy resources, its stable and progressive capital, Dakar, is learning how to best channel its influence and growth.Platform economy
With rail-passenger numbers predicted to fall, retail is keeping operators’ finances on track.Home from home
While many corporations remain faceless and sterile, coffee giant Lavazza has built an elegant workspace that inspires its staff and Turin’s community.Skeleton crew
When it comes to bones, Research Casting International is king of the dinosaurs. The Ontario restoration firm has made monsters for Hollywood, excavated an Ankylosaurus and – as the world’s museums continue to call – is seeing revenues soar.Something to ad
Out-of-home advertising – one of the oldest forms of promotion – is thriving in the modern market.Making a scene
Mexico’s second city, Guadalajara, is dynamic yet intimate. It entices emerging artists as well as collectors on the hunt for fresh talent.Building connections
Swissbau in Basel is a biennial window onto the pre-eminent Swiss construction industry – and a one-stop-shop for the world’s most forward-thinking architects.Finishing touch
A 1930s restaurant has been revived by chef Helena Puolakka and designer Ilse Crawford. We pull up a chair.Taken to a tasca
Even as fine dining makes its mark in Lisbon, the city’s traditional tascas – with their modest but comforting dishes – are enjoying a revival.Mehmet Gürs
The acclaimed Turkish chef and restaurateur recalls a few culinary crumbs from his youth and opts for oysters, wine and a berth on a boat for his fictional final feast.Calling the shots
Starting a fashion brand is hard. Making a success of it is harder. We meet six of the best leaders in the business.Breaking news
Want to crack America? Fashion showrooms are the engines under the shining chassis of the industry. And Stella Ishii runs one of the most influential on the block.
Briefing
Diplomacy Briefing
Wolfgang Ischinger on why we should talk to adversaries, a small-country play for the UN Security Council and why Japan is opening an embassy in Kosovo.Politics Briefing
Norway’s young environment minister, US election endorsements and why the UAE is looking to Mars.Defence Briefing
Why navies are using more drones, Japan’s controversial border force and Australia’s anti-ship missiles.Cities Briefing
Delhi’s grand avenue gets a makeover and Helsinki’s new chief design officer reveals her plans.Business Briefing
Japan goes west to seek new openings in Russia, how retail is helping bushfire-afflicted New South Wales and the shoes start-up putting a spring in your step.Architecture Briefing
An interview with Sou Fujimoto.Food Briefing
Our global menu of culinary developments.
Other
The Ten
History feels alive and kicking this month. Our picks include a Netflix series about a pioneering African-American millionaire, Tom Stoppard’s personal new play and choreographers of the past on show in São Paulo. Plus: the art of board games and a New York photography fair.Fine lines
Our review of the latest in all things luxe takes in Japan’s one-site-fits-all emporium, some Lebanese couture in London and a truly fashion-conscious accessory.
Essays
Q&A
Red shoe diaries
As a major Paris exhibition shows Christian Louboutin’s body of work, we talk to the designer about the benefits of owning your own maison, shifts within the fashion industry and how he keeps his label fresh.Lip service
With its new beauty métier, Hermès is hoping to capitalise on the booming demand for high-end cosmetics – starting with lipstick.
Shoot
Inventory
Net gains
The waters around Santa Barbara are producing sustainable catches that are challenging patrons and restaurant owners to ride a new wave of cooking and dining.Modern history
Facing demolition, the Dai-ichi Bank building had seen better days. But at the 11th hour, and with a nod to its illustrious past, the site has been rejuvenated as K5 hotel.Travel Briefing
From a hot-spring retreat to new openings in LA by way of Ho Chi Minh City, we bring you the headlines in hospitality and retail.Establishing order
So you’ve got the gear but how do you ensure that your clothes stay looking sharp? These elegant tools are tailored to that precise goal.
Expo
