Monocle Weekend
Edition: Saturday

The British fashion industry has never been shy to voice its opinions on political matters but rarely has it presented as united a stance against something as it has Brexit. Last week a British Fashion Council survey revealed that 90 per cent of British designers were against leaving the EU – a sentiment that translated onto catwalks. At the recent London Collections Men, designers such as Patrick Grant, Lou Dalton and Christopher Raeburn threaded pro-EU messages through their collections or donned “In” shirts to take their bows. Britain’s EU exit will rock the fortunes of British fashion labels big and small: the vast majority are small businesses unable to afford the likely restoration of customs tariffs while major houses such as Burberry, which manufactures most of its pieces in Italy, may well suffer from the plummeting pound-euro exchange rate.

Before the tragic shooting in Orlando the city was primarily known for its many amusement parks, such as Disney World and Universal Studios. These fantastical places are so embraced by the city that even the design of the Orlando International Airport resembles a theme park, replete with outdoor skytrains that ferry people to their departure gates. However, that theme may not continue as part of an airport expansion, which features a proposed US$1.8bn (€1.6bn) south terminal. The suggested design includes palm trees, an airy boulevard and ample natural light – all good things – but noticeably missing are the skytrains, to the chagrin of some. There’s still time to reconsider the decision: the airport is looking to begin construction next year.

From Paris to Melbourne, the idea of Nuit Blanche – an all-night-long art festival – is not a novelty for most cities. But Toronto is the rare metropolis with Nuit Rose. The nocturnal extravaganza sees the neighbourhoods of West Queen West and Church-Wellesley Village lit up with artworks and installations focused on the LGBT community. It takes place this evening from 19.00 and extends into the night, featuring artists from across the country as well as futher afield. Expect everything from aerial dance to lantern-making, followed by the Nuit Rose Light Parade. With the Orlando shootings and the murder of British MP Jo Cox dominating news headlines over the past couple of weeks, as well as yesterday’s shock announcement that the UK will be leaving the EU, Canada’s embrace of diversity is something to be celebrated.

Minimalist Japanese retailer Muji unveils an exhibition of more than 100 works by Japanese artisans at its flagship store in New York this weekend. Meaning “appearance”, “shape” or “atmosphere”, Tatazumai will display pieces by six artisans working with everything from wood and ceramics to glass and fabric. The show, which is appearing outside Europe for the first time, will celebrate the fundamental message of the brand: “Finding beauty in everyday household items”. Expect cosy textiles by Akiko Ando, kitchenware by Ryuji Mitani and perfectly imperfect ceramics by Keisuke Iwata.

We discuss the UK’s future relationship with Europe with Monocle’s Paul Osbourne; Lance Price, former director of communications under Tony Blair; and journalists Mary Dejevsky and Tom Rivers.

Furniture firm Carl Hansen & Søn is justly proud of its heritage and the company’s refusal to operate outside of Denmark hasn’t hampered growth. A new factory, increased output and rapidly rising exports point to a world of opportunity.