Editor’s letter
Whether the subject is modern warfare or the evolving identity of an old European city, we’ve always believed in the power of sending out photographers and writers to capture the realities on the ground. Look closely and see what you’ll discover, writes editor in chief Andrew Tuck.The Opener
Funding fiascos, changing the clocks, cycling in LA and the inside scoop from the Venice Biennale.Book smarts
Clients from Frieze to Rizzoli come to the graphic designer for her storytelling skills. And she delivers bestsellers.Glowing for gold
Malaysia’s favourite sport gets the neon treatment at Shuttle in the Dark. Monocle hits the court.My cabinet: Nanimarquina
Just like the striking rugs that they produce, Nani Marquina’s team at the namesake firm she runs in the Catalan capital is tightly knit.
The Agenda
In the Georgian capital, Russian émigrés are trying to make sense of the country they’ve left behind.Inside Russia Today
A young journalist looks back on four years working for Russian state media.Business
A French fashion label with an African soul and a London stationer in praise of going analogue.Culture
The second life of film sets and a preview of the Ukraine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.Comment
Andrew Tuck finds something extraordinary in everyday images of the urbane past.Urbanism
The Dutch Cycling Embassy’s soft power and preserving historic street tiles in Houston.
On the cold front
In the rugged terrain of northern Norway, Nato is conducting one of the largest military drills in its history – and its first since Russia invaded Ukraine. As some 30,000 troops rehearse for war, we ask: what lies ahead for the defensive alliance?The art of mediation
Turkey has found itself with a new diplomatic purpose since Russia invaded Ukraine: the trusted mediator. After years of being seen as unreliable, even mercurial, by the West, and spats with neighbours, it is playing a key role in trying to end the war. That’s why this year’s annual Antalya Forum, attended by more than 75 countries, suddenly became a hot ticket. Monocle was there to meet the ministers and dignitaries – and see what the world looks like from the shores of Antalya.Firm foundations
Mipim, the annual property summit in the South of France, returns as developers and city mayors gather to map out the future.Feathering the nest
We meet the farmer nurturing Iceland’s very soft-power darling – its eider ducks – by modernising the industry and boosting profits.Public accounts
Since 1990 the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund has worked to translate oil revenues into long-term national prosperity. But what will be its role in a greener future?Paradise found
Eclectic influences have shaped modern-day George Town to make it an attractive place to set up shop.Happy medium
As Beijing tightens its grip on Hong Kong, broadcaster ViuTV is offering its residents some much-needed escapism.Is the future of papers Wordle or world news?
Newspapers have survived – even in print. But is their future now dependent on word games and dating connections as much as delivering news? And should we even care about where our information comes from? Monocle’s panel debates the pressing issues.Continental drift
A Dutch-born immigrant to the Ligurian capital, best-selling author Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer knows first-hand that our identity is tied to our sense of place – and of history. In his latest novel, he interrogates what it means to belong in a modern Europe haunted by its past glories.Comic timing
France has an august tradition of homegrown comic-book heroes but its rising stars now are Japanese.Hitting peaks
From a soundtrack to sisterhood to the secret history of Brazilian dance movements, we survey the essential cultural high points of the coming month.Monocle Design Awards: part one
From the smartest greenhouses to the prettiest glassware, the Monocle Design Awards celebrate the most pleasing projects that bring our homes and cities to life.Monocle Design Awards: part two
From the smartest greenhouses to the prettiest glassware, the Monocle Design Awards celebrate the most pleasing projects that bring our homes and cities to life.Better together
An acquisitive Hungarian believes he has the recipe for central Europe’s first luxury group. Here’s his plan...Call to action
How Japanese outdoors company Goldwin melds technical prowess with sharp cuts for adventurers and urban explorers – and is now known for producing the world’s most coveted outdoorswear.Cut to size
With spring comes a sense of renewed optimism and designers capture the mood with new-season jackets in upbeat checks and grounding, earth-toned hues. Silhouettes are loose and fuss-free, creating smart-casual looks, ideal for when you’re getting back on the road.Outside chance
Take on the season with a spring in your step with our à la carte selection that will have you covered, come rain or come shine.
Small town, big city
Village life is alive and well in the surprising environs of one of Spain’s busiest trade hubs. We took a stroll through Benimaclet.Suite dreams
Whether it’s LA for a peaceful retreat that was once an infamous motel, Sri Lanka for a taste of boutique luxury surrounded by palm trees or a Provençal village for a hôtel particulier, here are our favourite new hotels this month.Rest easy
Downtown LA Proper has been three years in the making. We take a tour of the revamped 1920s building that’s luring the overnight crowd back to the area.Game changer
Nintendo’s former headquarters have reopened as a boutique hotel designed by Tadao Ando. The architect has retained many original elements, with nods to the company’s origins as a producer of playing cards.In good taste
An Appalachian homage, exquisite French delicacies, avocado on toast and a comfort-food favourite — indulge in some of the tastiest treats on our radar this month.Keeping it trim
We go for a classic do at a Zürich barber who’s a cut above the rest.
Monocle’s latest issue sets out the benchmarks (and benches) for a better world as we put the 50 recipients of this year’s Monocle Design Awards in the spotlight. Elsewhere, we visit the rugged terrain of northern Norway to witness one of the biggest military drills in Nato’s history and meet the Russian émigrés making Tbilisi their home. Plus: France’s manga obsession.
Issue 153
May 2022
At the front
Editor’s letter
Whether the subject is modern warfare or the evolving identity of an old European city, we’ve always believed in the power of sending out photographers and writers to capture the realities on the ground. Look closely and see what you’ll discover, writes editor in chief Andrew Tuck.The Opener
Funding fiascos, changing the clocks, cycling in LA and the inside scoop from the Venice Biennale.Book smarts
Clients from Frieze to Rizzoli come to the graphic designer for her storytelling skills. And she delivers bestsellers.Glowing for gold
Malaysia’s favourite sport gets the neon treatment at Shuttle in the Dark. Monocle hits the court.My cabinet: Nanimarquina
Just like the striking rugs that they produce, Nani Marquina’s team at the namesake firm she runs in the Catalan capital is tightly knit.
The Agenda: Global briefings
The Agenda
In the Georgian capital, Russian émigrés are trying to make sense of the country they’ve left behind.Inside Russia Today
A young journalist looks back on four years working for Russian state media.Business
A French fashion label with an African soul and a London stationer in praise of going analogue.Culture
The second life of film sets and a preview of the Ukraine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.Comment
Andrew Tuck finds something extraordinary in everyday images of the urbane past.Urbanism
The Dutch Cycling Embassy’s soft power and preserving historic street tiles in Houston.
Global views: Long reads
On the cold front
In the rugged terrain of northern Norway, Nato is conducting one of the largest military drills in its history – and its first since Russia invaded Ukraine. As some 30,000 troops rehearse for war, we ask: what lies ahead for the defensive alliance?The art of mediation
Turkey has found itself with a new diplomatic purpose since Russia invaded Ukraine: the trusted mediator. After years of being seen as unreliable, even mercurial, by the West, and spats with neighbours, it is playing a key role in trying to end the war. That’s why this year’s annual Antalya Forum, attended by more than 75 countries, suddenly became a hot ticket. Monocle was there to meet the ministers and dignitaries – and see what the world looks like from the shores of Antalya.Firm foundations
Mipim, the annual property summit in the South of France, returns as developers and city mayors gather to map out the future.Feathering the nest
We meet the farmer nurturing Iceland’s very soft-power darling – its eider ducks – by modernising the industry and boosting profits.Public accounts
Since 1990 the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund has worked to translate oil revenues into long-term national prosperity. But what will be its role in a greener future?Paradise found
Eclectic influences have shaped modern-day George Town to make it an attractive place to set up shop.Happy medium
As Beijing tightens its grip on Hong Kong, broadcaster ViuTV is offering its residents some much-needed escapism.Is the future of papers Wordle or world news?
Newspapers have survived – even in print. But is their future now dependent on word games and dating connections as much as delivering news? And should we even care about where our information comes from? Monocle’s panel debates the pressing issues.Continental drift
A Dutch-born immigrant to the Ligurian capital, best-selling author Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer knows first-hand that our identity is tied to our sense of place – and of history. In his latest novel, he interrogates what it means to belong in a modern Europe haunted by its past glories.Comic timing
France has an august tradition of homegrown comic-book heroes but its rising stars now are Japanese.Hitting peaks
From a soundtrack to sisterhood to the secret history of Brazilian dance movements, we survey the essential cultural high points of the coming month.Monocle Design Awards: part one
From the smartest greenhouses to the prettiest glassware, the Monocle Design Awards celebrate the most pleasing projects that bring our homes and cities to life.Monocle Design Awards: part two
From the smartest greenhouses to the prettiest glassware, the Monocle Design Awards celebrate the most pleasing projects that bring our homes and cities to life.Better together
An acquisitive Hungarian believes he has the recipe for central Europe’s first luxury group. Here’s his plan...Call to action
How Japanese outdoors company Goldwin melds technical prowess with sharp cuts for adventurers and urban explorers – and is now known for producing the world’s most coveted outdoorswear.Cut to size
With spring comes a sense of renewed optimism and designers capture the mood with new-season jackets in upbeat checks and grounding, earth-toned hues. Silhouettes are loose and fuss-free, creating smart-casual looks, ideal for when you’re getting back on the road.Outside chance
Take on the season with a spring in your step with our à la carte selection that will have you covered, come rain or come shine.
Inventory
Small town, big city
Village life is alive and well in the surprising environs of one of Spain’s busiest trade hubs. We took a stroll through Benimaclet.Suite dreams
Whether it’s LA for a peaceful retreat that was once an infamous motel, Sri Lanka for a taste of boutique luxury surrounded by palm trees or a Provençal village for a hôtel particulier, here are our favourite new hotels this month.Rest easy
Downtown LA Proper has been three years in the making. We take a tour of the revamped 1920s building that’s luring the overnight crowd back to the area.Game changer
Nintendo’s former headquarters have reopened as a boutique hotel designed by Tadao Ando. The architect has retained many original elements, with nods to the company’s origins as a producer of playing cards.In good taste
An Appalachian homage, exquisite French delicacies, avocado on toast and a comfort-food favourite — indulge in some of the tastiest treats on our radar this month.Keeping it trim
We go for a classic do at a Zürich barber who’s a cut above the rest.
Expo