Power play

Monocle’s annual Soft Power Survey charts the strengths and weaknesses of national brands and the changing landscape of cultural influence. But how do the hard truths of politics affect nations’ softer sides? Read on to find out.
Consuls and carols

Being a diplomat requires you to be proficient at wining and dining guests – and at no time will you be more inundated than the Christmas period. We visit three festive residences – that of the Czech ambassador to the UK, the Danish ambassador to the US and the Italian ambassador to Japan – to discover the importance of time-old traditions and a talented and patriotic chef.
One step ahead

The new year brings new opportunities – if you know where to look. With our tips and foresight and a little forward planning you’ll be in prime position to ring in the business changes.
Work flow

The Netherlands’ fourth-largest city is attracting young entrepreneurs in droves. They come for a slower pace of life and to work in one of Europe’s friendliest and best-connected mini hubs.
Retail renewal

Storied department store Engelhorn has clothed generations of Mannheim shoppers. Its top-drawer displays are enticing new visitors – and offering them an all-round experience.
Hot dates

If you’re the sort of person who likes to mark things in the diary then you’ve fallen on the right few pages: here are the books, programmes, films, albums and exhibitions that should make your 2017 a year to remember. It will certainly be a year perfectly punctuated by class acts, from the silver screen to the small one, from enriching visits to your local bookseller to swooning nights out at a gig. Rearing their angelic heads above the starry firmament are our faces to watch for next year too: one we know you will love; the rest we hope you’ll thank us for.
Life’s a pitch

As one of Mexico’s leading advertising directors, Raúl Cardós took a leap into the unknown when he decided to strike out on his own. Luckily his efforts have paid dividends.
Folio society

When magazine editor Aaron Hicklin opened a bookshop in upstate New York, he wanted to move beyond the usual roster of titles. In the year since he launched, his guest-edited book lists have driven sales and put One Grand on the map.
Perfect on paper

Now a beacon for the city-state’s art scene, STPI is finally becoming as popular with Singaporeans as it is with international artists.
A new leaf

Want to spruce up your barren balcony or bare window box? Look no further as we round up the most luscious – and adventurous – botanical offerings for the home, from spiky cactuses to frond-tastic ferns.
All in the details

New hotel Casa Mãe is a winning combination of Portuguese craftsmanship and exquisitely executed contemporary design. Monocle meets the creative force behind the retreat.
Season’s eatings

As the seasons shift so does our collective appetite for winter treats and tasty tipples. In this spirit, Monocle visited five festive food firms that specialise in products that we think will embody and elevate any occasion. We profile the Niigata-based team that brews a warming winter saké, break bread with the best panettone maker in the Lombardy capital and bend the ear of a baklava maestro in Istanbul. German gingerbread and Spanish port round off our festive finds.

Menswear / Tokyo

Return to roots

In Japan it’s custom to return home (‘satogaeri’) for the holidays but before you go there are gifts to be bought and friends to spoil. Pull on a winter coat and pick up some fruit for the family, then pack up the Forester, fill up the tank and hit the trail.

Stylist: Shun Katakai

Photography: Arata Suzuki

Down jacket by Moncler, sweatshirt by Closed, shirt by Work Not Work from Work Not Work Urban Research, trousers by Auralee from Ships, trainers by Saint Laurent, knit hat by Comesandgoe

Coat by Loro Piana, jacket by De Fursac, jumper by Sunspel, jeans by Boglioli, socks by Beams, trainers by Lunge, gloves by Caruso, bag by Mismo

Coat by Louis Vuitton, jumper by Moncler, shirt by Closed, trousers by Undecorated Man, socks by Beams, shoes by Paraboot, glasses by Persol, watch by Rado

Coat by Boglioli, jumper by Dunhill, shirt by Beams Plus, trousers by Acne Studios, socks by United Arrows, trainers by Nike Sportswear from Atmos, knit hat by Kaptain Sunshine, backpack by Digawel

Jacket by Oliver Spencer, down jacket by Descente Allterrain, t-shirt by Blue Work from Tomorrowland, trousers by N Hoolywood from Mister Hollywood, socks by Uniqlo, trainers by amb, backpack by mhl

Jacket by Orazio Luciano, jumper by Brooks Brothers, trousers by Incotex, glasses by glco, watch by Tag Heuer

Cardigan by Ermenegildo Zegna, rollneck t-shirt by Circolo 1901

Down vest and shirt by APC, sweatshirt by Scye, trousers by Itty-Bitty, trainers by New Balance, watch by Bell & Ross, cap by Kaptain Sunshine, bag by L/Uniform

Jumper by Bottega Veneta, trousers by Yaeca, socks by United Arrows, trainers by Berluti, coat by Herno

Coat by Mackintosh, sweatshirt by Woolrich, shirt by Brooksfield, trousers by Tomorrowland, socks by United Arrows, trainers by Common Projects from Tomorrowland, scarf by English Tradition × Beams Plus from Beams Plus, gloves by Margaret Howell, backpack by Bally

Cardigan by Camoshita United Arrows, jumper by A Kind of Guise, trousers by Ermenegildo Zegna, glasses by Eyevan 7285, watch by Patek Philippe

Down jacket by Prada, rollneck jumper by Massimo Alba, trousers by gta, trainers by Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, glasses by Lindberg, scarf by The Inoue Brothers from Wild Life Tailor, backpack by Herschel Supply ––

Left: Jacket by A Kind of Guise, cardigan by Zanone, trousers by Closed, socks by Uniqlo, shoes by JM Weston, scarf by Breuer, suitcase by Rimowa. Right: coat and cardigan by A Kind of Guise, t-shirt by Itty-Bitty, trousers by Circolo 1901, socks by Beams, shoes by Feit from United Arrows, bag by Dunhill

Models: Yusuke Hirayama & Rhito

Grooming: Kazuya Matsumoto

The time is now

What’s next?

Power play

Consuls and carols

One step ahead

Work flow

Retail renewal

Hot dates

Life’s a pitch

Folio society

Perfect on paper

A new leaf

All in the details

Season’s eatings

Europe briefing

Americas briefing

Asia Pacific briefing

Africa and Middle East briefing

Business briefing

Design briefing

Healthy trade

Child’s play?

Fashion briefing

Return to roots

Travel Top 50

Whole lotta Ljub

Lashings of schlager

Observation

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