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Soft focus

If you’re Germany, you have no option but to assert yourself globally with a softly, softly approach. Since the fall of the Wall, Germany’s foreign office has become master of gently promoting ‘Brand Germany’, with Berlin as the jewel in its decidely understated crown.
Oblast resort

It’s an isolated chip off the old Russian bloc that’s surrounded by wealthier EU nations. Its future is anyone’s guess – military outpost or beach resort? But with a dynamic leader and wise investment, Kaliningrad could make its remoteness work.
Desert Dream

Once a provincial backwater, the Jordanian port town of Aqaba is in the midst of a vast regeneration programme that will reposition it as the ‘gateway to the Levant’.
California on a roll

What would the US be without the hamburger? Like a country without a decent urban commuter bike. And that’s been the case, until Specialized set up a workshop in California to produce new designs that are tarmac-lickin’ good.
Ripping yarn

Harris Tweed is woven in a beautiful setting by workers in their own homes. But all is not as idyllic as it sounds. With the closing of its largest mill, it’s crunch time for the business. The question is, can things be turned around?
Art attack

Today most countries prefer to assert their international identity with artists not armies. We profile the cultural missions of four countries out to win friends with dancing dragons and alternative art.
Møller light

The AP Møller School in Schleswig, northern Germany, is luring design aficionados with its groundbreaking architecture. School has never been so cool, or soft power so clever.
Pitti Patter

Although buyers’ budgets were cinched in and high-end fashion was kept in mothballs, the mood at this summer’s menswear show Pitti Uomo remained optimistic. This was reflected in the light, bright collections.
Back in your box

How do you make voting simpler, appealing and important? It’s a challenge Norway has tried to solve. The solution is a vote winner.
Inner growth

Makoto Tanijiri’s work is brimming with fresh ideas. At just 35 years old, he is one of Japan’s most promising visionary architects. This inspired home, built in the sprawling suburbs of Nagoya, shows why.

Womenswear / Global

Dress book

While we’re hoping for an Indian summer, it won’t do any harm to start choosing a few pieces for those colder days. Our key selects for the season offer looks for work and play.

Edited by: Takeharu Sato

Photography: Mark Sanders

Hat by Loro Piana, dress by Mulberry, bag by Dior
Cape by Louis Vuitton
Shirt by Glanshirt, skirt by Aspesi, tights by Falke, shoes by Roger Vivier, bag by Loro Piana, glasses by Persol
Shirt by Aspesi, skirt by Incotex, bag by Tod’s
Dress by Yves Saint Laurent, earrings by Cartier
Dress by Dior, bag by Trussardi 1911, Bracelet by Cartier
Jacket by Barena, shirt and handkerchief by A.P.C., trousers by Incotex
Dress by Dior, bag by Trussardi 1911, bracelet by Cartier

Make-up
Kelly Cornwell

Hair
Christopher Sweeney

Model
Darya Areshtovych

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Soft focus

Oblast resort

Desert Dream

California on a roll

Ripping yarn

Art attack

Møller light

Pitti Patter

Back in your box

Inner growth

First lady

Europe briefing

Americas briefing

Africa/Middle East briefing

Asia briefing

Oceania briefing

Defence briefing

Business briefing

Media briefing

Culture briefing

Art market briefing

Fashion briefing

Architecture/Design briefing

Bigger than Björk

Shelf satisfying

Dress book

Lounge lover

Inventory No. 26

Monocle travel guide

Royal society

Raising the baa

Malasaña (north)

Jørgen Bodum

Expo 26: In for the high jump

Observation

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