Soft central

Monocle's third annual Soft Power Survey is an attempt to push the debate on where soft power comes from and how to use it. With current shifts in the global power balance, never has it been more relevant.
Better together

You don’t have to do it all alone. Make sure you know who to call whether you are running for re-election, rebuilding your city or rethinking your retail business in 2013.
Rock the Basra

Iraq has plans to build a shipping route that’s a cheaper alternative to the Suez Canal, starting with a port just south of Basra. It’s the biggest project ever undertaken by Iraq but will the war-ravaged city’s residents benefit?
Future lab

Global leaders may be lacking in ambition but that hasn’t stopped us doing the heavy lifting for them. Monocle presents 10 grand projects that would make a big difference.
Starting again

Spain’s economic woes are creating a spirited entrepreneurial culture in its capital. We meet the people turning their fortunes around and revitalising neighbourhoods in the process, and speak to the mayor about the new business initiatives.
Pole star

The small community of Kirkenes is set to witness big changes as global warming opens up the Arctic. Can it cope with the influx of businesses keen to take advantage of its position on the Northern Sea Route?
Theatre of life

In a prime location in the heart of Munich there is a building for retired actors, artists and journalists who have their rents subsidised by a foundation that made its money in the circus. A good portfolio helps win you admission.
Cinema Paradise

When it comes to a Friday night out at the movies, we’ll be booking our seats in Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo. Now pass the Peranakan menu and a blanket.
Old style

Within the monolithic UN Headquarters there’s a chamber that is being restored to its former retro glory. It was originally designed by the Danish architect Finn Juhl and now, in a brave move, it’s being put back to exactly how it was in 1953.
Office party

The largest of its kind, Orgatec is a biannual trade fair that draws office furniture manufacturers from around the globe to the outskirts of Köln. It’s a chance for the industry’s largest names to showcase the office of the future.
Eager weavers

Cebu is the manufacturing base for many high-end international furniture brands but it’s only recently gaining the recognition it deserves for its skilled craftsmanship. Meet the people boosting the city’s reputation and supporting local talent.
Home from home

Following the success of our Hong Kong shop and bureau set up, we’ve replicated the concept in Toronto’s Little Italy – only it’s 20 times the size.

Gift guide / Vienna

Viennese waltz

From glassware to gloves and we’ve scoured Vienna to find the best Austrian goodies you can take home and give to your loved ones this Christmas. Providing you can squeeze them into your Rimowa.

Writer: Alicia Kirby

Photography: David Sykes

Still life 1

Adolf Loos carafe and glasses tumbler
lobmeyr.at
Bründlmayer wine
bruendlmayer.at
Vintagerie Rosé
vintagerie.at
Apfelmus and Kremel
stauds.com
Riess storage jars
riess.at
Lobmeyr glasses
lobmeyr.at
Snakeskin laptop case by Rose Beck,
rosebeck.at
Tumbler by Lobmeyr,
lobmeyr.at
Bag by Robert Horn
rhorns.com
Snakeskin key holder by Rose Beck
rosebeck.at
Business card holder by Robert Horn
rhorns.com
Felt slippers by Loden Plankl
loden-plankl.at
Stationery set by Huber & Lerner
huber-lerner.at
Yellow spectacles by Andy Wolf
andy-wolf.at
Horn spectacles by Hartmann
hartmann-brillance.com
Ceramic piggy bank
schwaebische-jungfrau.at
Meinl coffee
meinl.com
Ladle by Riess
riess.at
Aromapot by Riess
riess.at
Les Langues de Chat Demel chocolates
demel.at
Mozartkugeln chocolate balls
reber.com
Giesswein kids’ mouse slippers
loden-plankl.at
Embroidered napkin by Zur Schwäbischen Jungfrau
schwaebische-jungfrau.at
Manner chocolate wafers
manner.com
Amboss speck bifteck, vintage cutlery
vintagerie.at

Still life 2

Essl rucksack
atfirstsight.at
Children’s dirndl
loden-plankl.at
Mühlbauer woman’s hat
muehlbauer.at
Saint Charles tea and soap
saint.info
Handbag by Rose Beck
rosebeck.at
Shampoo and conditioner
lessismore.at
Saint Charles Toilette Leife
saint.info
Men’s Mühlbauer hat
muehlbauer.at
Scheer belt
scheer.at
Wubet scarf
wubet.com
Necklace by Florian
florian-design.com
Gloves by Nina Peter
ninapeter.com
Shoes by Rosa Mosa
rosamosa.com
Scheer leather shoe horn
scheer.at
Dress by Brandmair
brandmair.at
Necklace by Florian
florian-design.com
Scheer shoe-cleaning kit
scheer.at
Saint Charles Lily of the Valley bath salts
saint.info
Scarf by Wubet
wubet.com
Kids’ embroidered socks
loden-plankl.at
Shirt by Lena Hoschek
lenahoschek.com

The power of three

Makers & Shakers

Press gang

Drawing board

Food for thought

Soft central

Better together

Rock the Basra

Future lab

Starting again

Pole star

Theatre of life

Cinema Paradise

Old style

Office party

Eager weavers

Home from home

Business Briefing

Europe Briefing

Americas briefing

Asia briefing

Oceania briefing

Africa/Middle East briefing

Wish lists

Fashion briefing

10 essays

Travel Top 50 2012/2013

Boarding school

Perfect den

The real deal

Viennese waltz

Expo 59: Saving grace

Observation

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