L MONOCLE
Editor’s letter
Our first Design Awards set the standard in building back better, says Andrew Tuck.The opener
Our pack of far-flung correspondents weigh in with a sampling of weird and wonderful things happening across the world, from a 100-year-old Canadian landscape designer’s achievements to some mind-beagling treats for your pooch.All in a grey’s work
Beijing’s ‘Glammas’ offer a new image for what one’s twilight years might yield.Pilou Asbaek
In our column asking accomplished people for their take on events, business and culture, we speak to the Danish actor about the rise of Scandi drama and how roles for foreigners have changed in Hollywood.My cabinet
The humanoid forms of sculptor Antony Gormley dot landscapes across the world. We meet the team that helps put them together.
Potus report
As the 46th US president gets into his stride, we take a look at Joe Biden’s first few months in office, assessing where he’s done well and where he’s fallen short – while key thinkers tell us what changes they’d like to see.Politics briefing
Discontent in France, Tanzania’s president, a new party in Poland and Canada’s longest-serving female MP.Diplomacy briefing
The EU’s ambassador to Switzerland on tough talks, Germany and Morocco don’t see eye to eye and the UN’s former climate chief on global co-operation.Defence briefing
The UK rethinks its defence strategy, South Korea stocks up and North Macedonia takes its Nato commitments seriously.Cities briefing
Helsinki’s mayor on selling his city, China’s Haikou heads to the beach and a Corsican pedestrian walkway.Fight your corner
Trump called the organisation ‘obsolete’ but Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg says the alliance is stronger than ever and ready to deal with cyber threats, bullying nations and the shifting global balance of power.
Taking the lead
From plant-based dog food to televets and smart collars, the ever-growing market for pet paraphernalia has the wind in its tails.Building anew
Diane Hoskins is co-CEO of the world’s biggest architecture firm and is at the forefront of the movement to build better places to work. And yes, she believes in office life.Business
Growing gems, Icelandic boatbuilding, a Tokyo neighbourhood revival, wine-making and the future of co-working.
Easel living
Why rent expensive studio or gallery space when you can create and showcase at home? Meet the real artists in residence.Prime times
From Low Countries noir to a physician’s phenomenal art sale, we pick the books, films, albums and exhibits to give your month a fresh perspective.Designs for life
As Artcurial prepares to put the art and furniture of fashion designer Kenzo Takada under the hammer, we take a peek behind the scenes in Paris, at a collection as vibrant and eclectic as its owner.
Design awards 2021, part 1
Our first ever Design Awards are here, honouring the year’s 50 most thoughtfully made objects and buildings.Design awards 2021, part 2
Our first ever Design Awards are here, honouring the year’s 50 most thoughtfully made objects and buildings.The Monocle Shop
The mercury is rising for northern hemisphere folk – and that means it’s time to get those warm-weather wardrobes sorted. Here we bring you dashing swimming trunks and handy waterproof totes for stashing them in, plus some breezy cotton loungewear and plenty of colourful accessories.
Growth spurt
The roots of success for Portugal’s best restaurants lie in the country’s agricultural heart. We meet the farmers putting the finest produce on the menu.Food and drink briefing
Scoops from around the world, from a Bangkok bistro to a fresh take on supermarkets in Toronto.Food & Drink Recipes
Whether you’re a dab hand in the kitchen who’s looking to sharpen their skills or a dilettante eyeing up some failsafe dining ideas, our recipe writers have you covered for culinary inspiration. This month’s tried and trusted recipes range from a soulful stew and Asian-inspired comfort food to blueberry scones (slathered in butter) and a sweet tart from Ticino. The only thing left to decide is who’s coming to dinner, or whether you’d like to keep these dishes to yourself.
Top draw
Photography can capture the details of clothes as they are in real life but what’s wrong with a little fantasy? Nothing is better at adding romance to the cut of a coat or swoosh of a dress than illustration. We meet three smart artists.Local champion
Combining enduring traditions with contemporary style, Kestin Hare’s foray into menswear is an innovative offering that champions UK production, with an emphasis on prioritising people before profit.Time to change gear
In Tokyo’s Kuramae neighbourhood, creative folk step out in fresh looks that work from commute to coffee break.
Kerb appeal
Driving along a road less travelled reveals South Africa’s charms. We start the ignition to take you from roadside craft shops to homely inns and pretty pit stops. Get your kicks on Route 62.Travel briefing
The world is starting to get going again, so make sure that you’re in prime position to explore it in style by getting to know new openings from Mexico to Mozambique and a retreat in California’s wine country.Rise again
Set in the sweeping hills of Tuscany’s wilder neighbour, Castello di Reschio adds a keen eye for historic Italian design to its rustic setting.Stick ’em up!
When done well, posters can persuade us to buy a pen, observe social norms or fly to a faraway land. They look great too. Put them on your walls.
Monocle’s springy May issue includes the launch of our first ever Design Awards. Expect 50 movers and shakers, from architects rethinking the built environment to fresh branding, smart ateliers and products to prize. Elsewhere in the issue we pass our verdict on president Biden’s first 100 days in office, sit down with the Nato secretary-general to discuss the merits of fighting your corner and profile the soaring fortunes of the pet industry. As always, you’ll also discover stylish finds for your wardrobe alongside a world of recipes, recommendations and ideas to spark your imagination: from weekend plans to starting a new venture. Plus: making a scene in Studio Babelsberg, Germany’s answer to Hollywood.
Issue 143
May 2021
At the front
Editor’s letter
Our first Design Awards set the standard in building back better, says Andrew Tuck.The opener
Our pack of far-flung correspondents weigh in with a sampling of weird and wonderful things happening across the world, from a 100-year-old Canadian landscape designer’s achievements to some mind-beagling treats for your pooch.All in a grey’s work
Beijing’s ‘Glammas’ offer a new image for what one’s twilight years might yield.Pilou Asbaek
In our column asking accomplished people for their take on events, business and culture, we speak to the Danish actor about the rise of Scandi drama and how roles for foreigners have changed in Hollywood.My cabinet
The humanoid forms of sculptor Antony Gormley dot landscapes across the world. We meet the team that helps put them together.
Affairs
Potus report
As the 46th US president gets into his stride, we take a look at Joe Biden’s first few months in office, assessing where he’s done well and where he’s fallen short – while key thinkers tell us what changes they’d like to see.Politics briefing
Discontent in France, Tanzania’s president, a new party in Poland and Canada’s longest-serving female MP.Diplomacy briefing
The EU’s ambassador to Switzerland on tough talks, Germany and Morocco don’t see eye to eye and the UN’s former climate chief on global co-operation.Defence briefing
The UK rethinks its defence strategy, South Korea stocks up and North Macedonia takes its Nato commitments seriously.Cities briefing
Helsinki’s mayor on selling his city, China’s Haikou heads to the beach and a Corsican pedestrian walkway.Fight your corner
Trump called the organisation ‘obsolete’ but Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg says the alliance is stronger than ever and ready to deal with cyber threats, bullying nations and the shifting global balance of power.
Business
Taking the lead
From plant-based dog food to televets and smart collars, the ever-growing market for pet paraphernalia has the wind in its tails.Building anew
Diane Hoskins is co-CEO of the world’s biggest architecture firm and is at the forefront of the movement to build better places to work. And yes, she believes in office life.Business
Growing gems, Icelandic boatbuilding, a Tokyo neighbourhood revival, wine-making and the future of co-working.
Culture
Easel living
Why rent expensive studio or gallery space when you can create and showcase at home? Meet the real artists in residence.Prime times
From Low Countries noir to a physician’s phenomenal art sale, we pick the books, films, albums and exhibits to give your month a fresh perspective.Designs for life
As Artcurial prepares to put the art and furniture of fashion designer Kenzo Takada under the hammer, we take a peek behind the scenes in Paris, at a collection as vibrant and eclectic as its owner.
Design
Design awards 2021, part 1
Our first ever Design Awards are here, honouring the year’s 50 most thoughtfully made objects and buildings.Design awards 2021, part 2
Our first ever Design Awards are here, honouring the year’s 50 most thoughtfully made objects and buildings.The Monocle Shop
The mercury is rising for northern hemisphere folk – and that means it’s time to get those warm-weather wardrobes sorted. Here we bring you dashing swimming trunks and handy waterproof totes for stashing them in, plus some breezy cotton loungewear and plenty of colourful accessories.
Entertaining
Growth spurt
The roots of success for Portugal’s best restaurants lie in the country’s agricultural heart. We meet the farmers putting the finest produce on the menu.Food and drink briefing
Scoops from around the world, from a Bangkok bistro to a fresh take on supermarkets in Toronto.Food & Drink Recipes
Whether you’re a dab hand in the kitchen who’s looking to sharpen their skills or a dilettante eyeing up some failsafe dining ideas, our recipe writers have you covered for culinary inspiration. This month’s tried and trusted recipes range from a soulful stew and Asian-inspired comfort food to blueberry scones (slathered in butter) and a sweet tart from Ticino. The only thing left to decide is who’s coming to dinner, or whether you’d like to keep these dishes to yourself.
Fashion
Top draw
Photography can capture the details of clothes as they are in real life but what’s wrong with a little fantasy? Nothing is better at adding romance to the cut of a coat or swoosh of a dress than illustration. We meet three smart artists.Local champion
Combining enduring traditions with contemporary style, Kestin Hare’s foray into menswear is an innovative offering that champions UK production, with an emphasis on prioritising people before profit.Time to change gear
In Tokyo’s Kuramae neighbourhood, creative folk step out in fresh looks that work from commute to coffee break.
Inventory
Kerb appeal
Driving along a road less travelled reveals South Africa’s charms. We start the ignition to take you from roadside craft shops to homely inns and pretty pit stops. Get your kicks on Route 62.Travel briefing
The world is starting to get going again, so make sure that you’re in prime position to explore it in style by getting to know new openings from Mexico to Mozambique and a retreat in California’s wine country.Rise again
Set in the sweeping hills of Tuscany’s wilder neighbour, Castello di Reschio adds a keen eye for historic Italian design to its rustic setting.Stick ’em up!
When done well, posters can persuade us to buy a pen, observe social norms or fly to a faraway land. They look great too. Put them on your walls.
Expo
