The Monocle Minute

New York’s age of “streeteries”, the makeshift pandemic-era outdoor restaurant extensions, is finally coming to an end. When the city’s government recently announced that restaurants would have to apply for a licence and pay a fee to keep them open, New Yorkers collectively breathed a sigh of relief. It’s true that these rickety sheds and barns once felt crucial, though only because the coronavirus pandemic pushed diners outdoors. At the time, people were delighted to spend $200 on a meal that took place on a janky wooden platform or, better yet, in a transparent plastic-wrapped bubble. Eating out is what New Yorkers do best and these spots became sanctuaries.

Over the years, the initial builds were transformed into elaborate dining platforms strewn with plants, cushions and hanging basket lamps. They were warmed by gas heaters in the frigid winters and cooled by fans in the sweltering summers. There was a moment when it felt like New Yorkers could dine on buzzy terraces like Parisians. But as restrictions eased and restaurants resumed normal service, many New Yorkers swiftly returned to form.

While there was ample outdoor seating on warm summer evenings and access to tables at hard-to-book restaurants, concerns quickly mounted. Sidewalks were cramped, noise grew and the rats did too. Erected on the fly, “streeteries” began to deteriorate and the notion of spending $20 on a glass of wine to the tune of sirens became less appealing. For residents, whose commutes and walks are already strewn with obstacles, “streeteries” became a burden and “I’m walkin’ here!” a common refrain. In New York our sidewalks are our highways. So, while we are grateful for the memories, we’re looking forward to getting our streets back.

Mary Holland is Monocle’s New York correspondent. For more opinion, analysis and insight, subscribe to Monocle today.

After months of speculation, Chanel announced the name of its next artistic director for fashion on Wednesday evening – French-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy has been handed the top job. Blazy has been the creative director of Kering-owned Bottega Veneta since 2021; there, he helped to establish the label’s craft-centric ethos. Under his creative direction, the Milan-based brand became one of the few in the Kering portfolio whose revenues continued to grow this year.

His Chanel appointment might come as a surprise to some: industry professionals were placing bets on Paris’s Simon Porte Jacquemus or New York’s Thom Browne. Blazy’s ability to steer away from ephemeral trends and put the spotlight on craft, while having a sense of humour, will serve him well in Chanel’s Rue Cambon ateliers. “Matthieu Blazy is one of the most gifted designers of his generation,” says Chanel’s global executive chairman, Alain Wertheimer in a statement. “His vision and talent will reinforce the energy of the brand and our position as a leader in luxury.”

Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta has named Louise Trotter as Blazy’s replacement. The UK designer has had great success revitalising smaller labels such as Joseph, Lacoste and, more recently, Carven. Time will tell whether she can replicate the same success while working in a conglomerate.

Central Chidlom, Bangkok’s top department store, fully reopened yesterday after a five-year renovation – the most extensive in its 51-year history. The flagship property’s floor-to-ceiling overhaul includes a striking new façade and a strategic move upmarket: for the first time, European luxury fashion brands have approved concession stands in a department store in the Thai capital. The likes of Chanel and Dior usually have their own standalone boutiques inside the city’s shopping malls. In an interview featured in The Forecast, Natira Chirathivat Boonsri, CEO of Central Department Store Group, described the partnership as a positive step for all parties.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, we saw a huge spike in luxury consumption in Thailand,” says Boonsri. “It was something that we couldn’t ignore. We shared our vision and renovation project with the luxury brands, and they were interested [in being a part of it].” Bangkok has seen a flurry of investment in high-end retail this year, ranging from new boutiques to café openings. Last week, Dior opened Gold House, an elaborate pop-up shop and café on a previously empty plot of land between Central Chidlom and sister shopping mall Central Embassy. So what’s the secret? According to Boonsri, “It’s all about constantly adapting to changes in customer behaviour.”

To read the full interview with Natira Chirathivat Boonsri, pick up a copy of Monocle’s look ahead to 2025. ‘The Forecast’ is on newsstands now.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia, one of Milan’s more exclusive addresses, will be renovating its roof terrace from February as competition in the city’s hospitality sector mounts. The grand art deco stay has long been known for its luxurious offering, hosting guests at Italy’s largest penthouse suite, the Katara, as well as in a sprawling spa complex and a restaurant led by celebrated chef Enrico Bartolini. But its location, opposite Milano Centrale station and away from the city’s shopping district, has often been cited as its flaw.

To compete with the likes of Portrait Milano and Bulgari, Excelsior Hotel Gallia has set aside €1m to fund a new-look roof terrace. “The revamp aims to play to the hotel’s strengths,” says Ed Stocker, Monocle’s Europe editor at large, who calls Milan home. “Unlike Paris or London, Milan is a private city with interior courtyards and little public, outdoor space, so the hotel’s terrace gives it a definite edge.”

Inspired by the bathing rituals of Japan’s hot springs, Copenhagen textile experts Tekla and Tokyo-based fashion label Auralee launched a beloved collaboration this season. To celebrate the festive season in style, unwrap these poplin, striped pyjamas on Christmas Eve so that you can lounge in them on Christmas morning.

For more seasonal gift inspiration, pick up a copy of theAlpino newspaper, which is available online and on newsstands now.

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