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Rebrand Britain

Great Britain hasn’t seemed quite so great in recent years, its image damaged by unpopular wars and the banking crisis. But with the new coalition government bedded in and the Olympics on the horizon, experts from the fields of politics, culture, and academia tell us how Britannia can rebrand itself and rule the waves again.
Did they do well?

In the world of politics, September is the start of a new term in many countries, so we’ve compiled our report cards for 15 leaders. Who has gone to the top of the class and who should be doing extra homework? We give marks for popularity and performance and dock points for bad behaviour.
A hard sell

The brief: to persuade Afghanis to take pride in their national army, to shun terrorism and to give up the narcotics trade. Not an easy task in a country where war has been raging for nine years and where the population is fragmented and mostly illiterate.
Portal combat

Warfare in the 21st century is as likely to be fought on computer screens as it is on battlefields. Monocle goes to Estonia to meet the web wizards preventing hackers and ‘cyber-jihadis’ from attacking Nato member states via the internet.
Spin city

It’s the endless tables at the casinos that are attracting millions of Chinese to the former Portuguese colony. But will the authorities of what is now the world’s gambling Mecca take a fresh turn of the wheel and nurture its fledgling creative and tourism industries?
Eat and be wary

Strung out across Southeast Asia is a chain of restaurants where doll-like North Korean waitresses sing to diners as they sample the country’s cuisine (well, what’s left of it). Is it a benign culinary business foray or something altogether more sinister?
Your new local

In the first of a new series of benchmark reports, Monocle puts the UK’s latest convenience store concept through its paces. Can Waitrose’s new baby live up to the standards of Japan’s kings of convenience?
New media circus

It seems that every news presenter has a blog or Twitter feed – but post personal opinions at your peril. Monocle investigates the pleasures and sorrows of social media in the news.
Been there, done that.

Instead of investing in new designs and manufacturing processes, increasing numbers of design firms are raiding their archives. Monocle visits two companies to find out why they’re looking backwards not forward.
Boon town

The first multi-brand fashion store in Seoul, Boon The Shop is the guiding light for a generation of affluent, trend-conscious Koreans. Monocle examines its success as it celebrates its first decade.

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D

Autumn of style / Global

Blazers of glory

Make a triumphant return to the office after your summer break by combining classic British and Italian tailoring with some modern flourishes. Monocle selects elegant jackets and shirts for men and women.

Three-piece suit & tie by Hackett, shirt by E. Tautz

Shirt by Bagutta, necklace by Cartier, belt by J&M Davidson, skirt by Macphee

Jacket by Salvatore Ferragamo, scarf by Massimo Alba, shirt by Margaret Howell, trousers by Incotex, glasses by Oliver Peoples, belt by J&M Davidson

Three-piece suit by Boglioli, shirt by Rake, tie by Richard James, belt by Canali, watch by Seiko

Jacket & trousers by Piombo, waistcoat by Canali, shirt by Richard James, pochette by Roda, belt by Hermès

Shirt by Bagutta, shorts by Salvatore Ferragamo

Shirt by Salvatore Piccolo, trousers by Rag & Bone

Jacket by Sartorio, shirt & tie by Hackett

Suit & shirt by Rake, pochette by Hackett, belt by Canali

Jacket by Richard James, shirt by Tomorrowland, tie by Hackett

Hair:
Aimee Robinson

Make-up:
Kim Brown

Models:
Luis Kelling, Anna Davolio, India, Sophie Holmes, Jean Francois Poirier, Jimmy

Special thanks:
Spring Studios, Kezia Hicks

Fashion director:
Takeharu Sato

Photographer(s):
John Balsom

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15

Live

Schedule

00:0001:00

Meet the Writers

The leader

Rebrand Britain

Did they do well?

A hard sell

Portal combat

Spin city

Eat and be wary

Your new local

New media circus

Been there, done that.

Boon town

Business Briefing

Europe Briefing

Americas Briefing

Americas Briefing

Africa/ Middle East Briefing

Asia Briefing

Oceania Briefing

Defence Briefing

Media Briefing

Culture Briefing

Fashion Briefing

Design/Architecture Briefing

Bouncing back

Face Maker

Top of the glass

Art Market Briefing

Office hottie

Blazers of glory

Inventory No. 36

Andaz 5th Avenue

Heir Ways

Monocle travel guide

Camogli

Home to roast

John Pawson

Expo 36: River of discontent

Observation

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