The opener
Huge flags and enormous skyscrapers, furry babies and political bedding – we round up some global goings-on.Group therapy
The fanatical followers of Hong Kong boy band Mirror reflect the troubled city’s yearning for some homegrown positivity and pride.Jeff Wall
The Canadian artist’s near-documentary photographs present worlds we don’t quite live in. He considers them an antidote to today’s proliferation of images.My cabinet
As members of one of Denmark’s largest housing co-operatives, the occupants of one cobbled Copenhagen thoroughfare are a community in control. We meet the neighbours in Nørrebro.People’s palaces
Vienna’s ‘Gemeindebau’ apartment blocks were built out of necessity but an emphasis on social cohesion and affordability means that they might now be the world’s best public housing.Attaché cases
Whether tasked with Brand Ethiopia awareness in Brazil or South Korean commerce in the UK, there are unsung drivers of diplomacy. We meet them.After Angela
When Chancellor Merkel steps down at the end of September, whoever takes her place will find that there’s no clear roadmap. We talk to the key parties about Germany’s future on the world stage.Face value
There are few more trusted news sources than the experienced and impartial TV anchor. We tune in to meet three such stars of the screen.The news breakers
Old-school news agencies have found a new purpose and power in a world of misinformation and reporting cutbacks. This is how ‘wires’ have stayed on top.Different tune
The old Soviet Dom Radio building in St Petersburg is creating daring music and art – and refusing to follow the mood music at play in much of Russia today.Hall orders
Designing a new Grand Hall for the League of Arab States demanded experience, flair and respect for tradition. Enter Lebanese architect Nada Debs.Tools of the trade
Expectations of buildings are constantly changing. So how can developers keep pace? By arming themselves with forward-thinking architects and an open mind. These projects hammer the point home.Hidden gem
The angled roof of this secluded Ligurian residence complements its wild surroundings and offers its owners a quiet coastal escape from the bustle of city life.Regional ally
Architect David Chipperfield’s relaunch of a long-closed bar in a Galician village cements his commitment to the area. We get an exclusive first look.Wear it’s at
They might not fit the archetype of the high-end tailor but a new generation of smart young outfitters is now at the cutting edge of bespoke menswear. We get the measure of four such craftsmen in London, Berlin, Hong Kong and Perugia.Straight to the point
United Arrows brings the world’s best fashion to Japan. But now, in a country where physical retail has reigned supreme, the pandemic has given online shopping a sudden boost. We meet the multibrand giant’s new president to find out how he plans to adapt.
Politics Briefing
Latin America’s “Pink Tide”, Canada’s only woman premier and human rights in Poland.Diplomacy Briefing
China’s wolf-warrior diplomats, crisis management in Helsinki and a spat in the Middle East.Defence Briefing
Ukraine builds up its naval capabilities with an eye on Russia, and Indonesia’s big purchase.Cities Briefing
The man who could be Lisbon’s next mayor, libraries and explore Hong Kong’s latest park.Business
Jump start
Get in the swing of things with a vivid literary slice of 1960s Harlem, a joyous new album from a Motown icon and a must-see photography fair.Design Briefing
From a mirrored installation on a Venetian island to groundbreaking design in a former Swiss factory.Food and Drink
From a bar in Mexico City to Copenhagen’s new bakeries and food scoops in Seoul and Singapore.Fashion Briefing
From the most chic suede looks for autumn to the best shops for upgrading your wardrobe.
Pillars of community
As property developers react to changes in how we want to live, many are breaking new ground with multi-use neighbourhood projects. We call in on the current schemes of three imaginative firms.Thirsty work
Carlsberg’s new HQ might not claim to be ‘probably the best in the world’ but we should all toast its aim of encouraging interaction among staff. See you at the bar.
Time to get going
While many were grounded, the travel industry has been gently gearing up. Here are some new developments that you might have missed. We start our tour at a citrus-strewn island hotel in Japan.Room to live
With spacious residences and the feel of a speakeasy, the first US opening from Brazilian hotel group Fasano is aiming to be a home away from home by Central Park for long-term stays. Come on in.Holiday express
For passengers on Japan’s redesigned Saphir Odoriko trains, the vacation begins from the moment that they board, thanks to comfy seating, top-quality food and huge windows to help them enjoy the view.Raising the roof
The secluded Maison Bukana hotel in the Philippines and the bustling La Halle aux Grains restaurant on the upper floor of an old market building in Paris have one thing in common: they are taking their respective fields to new heights.Riverside revelation
A rebuilt clutch of 1930s-style buildings on the Zürichorn river delta in Switzerland now houses a restaurant complex that can turn heads and tantalise taste buds.La vie en rose
Domaine de Primard is a hotel inspired by the gardens that surround it, from the soft pastel colours of the guest rooms to the modest menus. What could be more natural?
Monocle’s September issue includes a media special, which charts the newsrooms and anchors building trust, bolstering their brands and setting the agenda. Our other headlines include a look at the developers rethinking the property game in Hong Kong, Helsinki and Mexico City. We also visit the Arab League’s redesigned digs in Cairo, learn how architect David Chipperfield is leading sustainable development in Galicia by starting a bar, and meet the next generation of tailors altering the world of menswear. Plus: what you missed from the world of travel, including island escapes, itineraries, new hotels, and the latest takeoff and what’s coming down the track in aviation and train travel. All aboard?
Issue 146
September 2021
Editor's letter
Report
The opener
Huge flags and enormous skyscrapers, furry babies and political bedding – we round up some global goings-on.Group therapy
The fanatical followers of Hong Kong boy band Mirror reflect the troubled city’s yearning for some homegrown positivity and pride.Jeff Wall
The Canadian artist’s near-documentary photographs present worlds we don’t quite live in. He considers them an antidote to today’s proliferation of images.My cabinet
As members of one of Denmark’s largest housing co-operatives, the occupants of one cobbled Copenhagen thoroughfare are a community in control. We meet the neighbours in Nørrebro.People’s palaces
Vienna’s ‘Gemeindebau’ apartment blocks were built out of necessity but an emphasis on social cohesion and affordability means that they might now be the world’s best public housing.Attaché cases
Whether tasked with Brand Ethiopia awareness in Brazil or South Korean commerce in the UK, there are unsung drivers of diplomacy. We meet them.After Angela
When Chancellor Merkel steps down at the end of September, whoever takes her place will find that there’s no clear roadmap. We talk to the key parties about Germany’s future on the world stage.Face value
There are few more trusted news sources than the experienced and impartial TV anchor. We tune in to meet three such stars of the screen.The news breakers
Old-school news agencies have found a new purpose and power in a world of misinformation and reporting cutbacks. This is how ‘wires’ have stayed on top.Different tune
The old Soviet Dom Radio building in St Petersburg is creating daring music and art – and refusing to follow the mood music at play in much of Russia today.Hall orders
Designing a new Grand Hall for the League of Arab States demanded experience, flair and respect for tradition. Enter Lebanese architect Nada Debs.Tools of the trade
Expectations of buildings are constantly changing. So how can developers keep pace? By arming themselves with forward-thinking architects and an open mind. These projects hammer the point home.Hidden gem
The angled roof of this secluded Ligurian residence complements its wild surroundings and offers its owners a quiet coastal escape from the bustle of city life.Regional ally
Architect David Chipperfield’s relaunch of a long-closed bar in a Galician village cements his commitment to the area. We get an exclusive first look.Wear it’s at
They might not fit the archetype of the high-end tailor but a new generation of smart young outfitters is now at the cutting edge of bespoke menswear. We get the measure of four such craftsmen in London, Berlin, Hong Kong and Perugia.Straight to the point
United Arrows brings the world’s best fashion to Japan. But now, in a country where physical retail has reigned supreme, the pandemic has given online shopping a sudden boost. We meet the multibrand giant’s new president to find out how he plans to adapt.
Affairs
Briefing
Politics Briefing
Latin America’s “Pink Tide”, Canada’s only woman premier and human rights in Poland.Diplomacy Briefing
China’s wolf-warrior diplomats, crisis management in Helsinki and a spat in the Middle East.Defence Briefing
Ukraine builds up its naval capabilities with an eye on Russia, and Indonesia’s big purchase.Cities Briefing
The man who could be Lisbon’s next mayor, libraries and explore Hong Kong’s latest park.Business
Jump start
Get in the swing of things with a vivid literary slice of 1960s Harlem, a joyous new album from a Motown icon and a must-see photography fair.Design Briefing
From a mirrored installation on a Venetian island to groundbreaking design in a former Swiss factory.Food and Drink
From a bar in Mexico City to Copenhagen’s new bakeries and food scoops in Seoul and Singapore.Fashion Briefing
From the most chic suede looks for autumn to the best shops for upgrading your wardrobe.
Business
Pillars of community
As property developers react to changes in how we want to live, many are breaking new ground with multi-use neighbourhood projects. We call in on the current schemes of three imaginative firms.Thirsty work
Carlsberg’s new HQ might not claim to be ‘probably the best in the world’ but we should all toast its aim of encouraging interaction among staff. See you at the bar.
Preview
Shopping
Recipes
Shoot
Inventory
Time to get going
While many were grounded, the travel industry has been gently gearing up. Here are some new developments that you might have missed. We start our tour at a citrus-strewn island hotel in Japan.Room to live
With spacious residences and the feel of a speakeasy, the first US opening from Brazilian hotel group Fasano is aiming to be a home away from home by Central Park for long-term stays. Come on in.Holiday express
For passengers on Japan’s redesigned Saphir Odoriko trains, the vacation begins from the moment that they board, thanks to comfy seating, top-quality food and huge windows to help them enjoy the view.Raising the roof
The secluded Maison Bukana hotel in the Philippines and the bustling La Halle aux Grains restaurant on the upper floor of an old market building in Paris have one thing in common: they are taking their respective fields to new heights.Riverside revelation
A rebuilt clutch of 1930s-style buildings on the Zürichorn river delta in Switzerland now houses a restaurant complex that can turn heads and tantalise taste buds.La vie en rose
Domaine de Primard is a hotel inspired by the gardens that surround it, from the soft pastel colours of the guest rooms to the modest menus. What could be more natural?
Expo
