Who’s keeping the lights on?

As prices skyrocket and pipelines mysteriously explode, the folly of Europe’s over-dependence on fossil fuels, especially those imported from Russia, is being revealed and punished. With autumn turning to winter, Monocle visits the people, places and companies forging the continent a way out of the energy crisis.
Finding Nebo

In our October issue last year, we ran a diary of the fall of Kabul. In passing, our author mentioned a personal footnote – a dog lost. This is what happened next.
Up in the air

Big-name architects are helping to transform Ecuador’s capital – but do its residents want the high life?
Back on track

The rail industry is abuzz with chatter of a golden age of trains. Monocle takes a prime seat at trade fair Innotrans to gauge the direction of travel.
Is the way we work really changing?

The nature of work is constantly evolving and what labour will look like in the future is one of the biggest questions facing architects, employers and educators today. Here, our learned panel unpicks some of the issues that our workforce will face in the years to come.
Glass half full

Despite pandemic woes and the loss of the Russian market, the CEO of Pernod Ricard is upbeat – it’s all just part of business life, he says, and there’s always another opportunity around the corner.
Common currency

Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo has embarked on a mergers and acquisition programme with cultural clout, turning prestigious buildings in Milan, Turin and Vicenza into the Gallerie d’Italia – public art museums displaying the bank’s large collection of pieces. Its new Neapolitan site is a timely reminder of the mutually beneficial relationship between art and finance.
In full flow

A merger between two televisual giants is offering the Spanish-speaking world a streaming service to rival Netflix. Could the next ‘Squid Game’ be filmed in the shadows of the Sierra Madre?
Move closer

From a Canadian popstar’s emotional return to a beloved portraitist’s political roots, we survey the season’s cultural highlights.
Remote chance

Amid the harsh landscape near Australia’s Bass Strait, a farmhouse offers intimacy and true escape.
Hidden treasures

On a quiet residential street in Japan’s historic capital stands a living monument to the city’s coveted craft traditions.
Inner sanctum

As we sink into cosy armchairs, switch on lamps and rethink our work set-ups, we pick out the latest pieces that promise comfort and warmth.
Bright sparks

There are companies out there that take lighting very, very seriously – and rightly so. Good lighting isn’t just important for aesthetic purposes; it can also help to boost our mood and even our health. Here’s how.
Basic instinct

Architecture practice Studio KO favours simple methods and materials, even when they’re working with star clients.
Community centre

Burkinabè architect Diébédo Francis Kéré sees his projects as hubs for nearby residents, even enlisting their help to build them.
Double vision

Sydney Modern will be the city’s largest cultural opening since the its iconic opera house. We meet the duo behind the design.
Blurred lines

A meeting of minds for workplace-furniture titan MillerKnoll is seeing the firm expanding ever more into employees’ homes. Is this the future of the office?
Meet the family

Picks from The Monocle Shop.
Making history

Following its founding principle of ‘craft in motion’, Italian luxury house Bottega Veneta is combining artisanal tradition and a playful sense of modernity to stake its place in fashion’s highest echelons.
Hammer time

Bulgari has become a major player in luxury timepieces. Monocle meets its watch-making team to find out what makes them tick.
Wearing in

From the very best in running gear (and running routes) to hip fashion meccas in the coolest part of town, via snug and stylish shoes and eye-catching accessories, our global gamut of gear is sure to fit right in with your autumnal adventures.
Layer up

As the air chills, outerwear comes into its own. Match coats and jackets of all hues and fabrics with fun and functional accessories to keep you warm on the go.

Monocle Shop / Global

Meet the family

Picks from The Monocle Shop.

Nic Monisse

Deputy Design Editor

Baptista cord overshirt
€220

Looking to fishermen for inspiration, Portuguese brand La Paz has long understood the benefits of a seafaring way of life. This clean-cut utility jacket is a great trans-seasonal layering piece. Crafted from cotton corduroy, it is soft, light and durable, with a front fastening of Corozo buttons, classic collar and three functional front pockets.

material: Cotton.
colour: Navy.
made in: Portugal.

Kyoko Tamoto

Fashion Markets Editor

Carbon-steel umbrella
€160

Too many people skimp on umbrellas – at their peril; clutching onto a flimsy brolly that has been turned inside out by a gust of wind is nobody’s idea of a good time. When the heavens open, you want a Doppler. The firm’s wares are made using methods refined over 75 years. Our collaboration boasts a carbon-steel frame and automated open-close function.

material: Carbon-steel and polyester.
colour: Blue.
made in: Austria.

Emma Croft

Creative Solutions Project Manager

Mühlbauer Loden cap
€110

Adding contemporary know-how to 117 years of expertise, renowned Viennese brand Mühlbauer has created a packable woollen rain hat. This robust cap is perfect for colder days. An ideal accessory for walks in the countryside, playing a round of golf or even masking a bad hair day, the cap’s classic tones are guaranteed to match any outfit.

material: Wool.
colour: Navy.
made in: Czech Republic.

Niall Flynn

Global Partnerships Editor

Monocle chunky ribbed cashmere scarf
€325

There’s little worse than a naked neck on a frosty day. This ribbed, pure cashmere scarf is sewn in Scotland. Its extra-wide dimensions allow it to envelop your body when the mercury takes a dive.

material: Cashmere.
colour: Beige.
made in: The UK.

Jack Simpson

Editorial Assistant

Standard dog collar and adjustable lead set
€180

monocle has teamed up with sustainable British lifestyle brand Kintails to design a series of leather dog leads and collars suitable for every breed. You’ll find a number of handsome hounds curled up under the desks at Midori House. After all, what better way to enjoy a walk around the city followed by an apéro than bringing your dog along.

materials: Leather and brass.
colours: Navy or tan.
made in: The UK.

Benson Batty

Customer Relations & Insights Executive

Porter city bag
€332

This bag sits on the hip and is designed to keep all your valuables close by. The front flap closes securely with two snap buttons and there’s a zip pocket on the back for your keys and wallet. The bag also includes a foldaway tote for that last minute farmers’ market stop.

material: Cordura.
colours:Olive or black.
dimensions: 30cm x 23cm x 8cm.
made in: Japan.

Chutipon Patumanont

Shop Assistant

A Kind of Guise x Monocle Ekia bag
€225

monocle’s in-house designers have teamed up with Munich’s A Kind of Guise to create a new variation of the brand’s much-loved Ekia bag. Crafted by hand in Germany from sturdy, military-grade Cordura fabric, the water-resistant bag features a padded shoulder strap for added comfort and a stylish yellow accent in the inner pocket.

material: Cordura.
colour: Black.
dimensions: 30cm x 52cm x 25cm.
made in: Germany.

Raffael Lienert

Senior Operations Manager for Retail & Hospitality

Porter x Monocle backpack with detachable pouch
€515

Porter’s pared-back take on the backpack is made from Cordura with a leather finish on the handles and zips. It features two inside compartments, two mesh side pockets and a detachable pouch for smaller belongings and valuables. The well-cushioned straps will keep you comfortable throughout your journey.

material: Cordura.
colours: Black or olive.
dimensions: 30cm x 44cm x 13cm.
made in: Japan

Editor’s Letter

The Opener

Observation: Dinner with an MP

Observation: Reptile rescue

The view from: Naoto Fukasawa

In the swing

Affairs

Business

Culture

Urbanism & Design

Who’s keeping the lights on?

Finding Nebo

Up in the air

Back on track

Is the way we work really changing?

Glass half full

Common currency

In full flow

Move closer

Remote chance

Hidden treasures

Inner sanctum

Bright sparks

Basic instinct

Community centre

Double vision

Blurred lines

Meet the family

Making history

Hammer time

Wearing in

Layer up

Star stays

Counter culture

Style and substance

Baked good

Form and function

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