As Monocle gears up for a schedule teeming with plucky print products and top radio programmes, our editor in chief outlines our editorial plans for the months to come.

Before toasting a cup craze and scouting the best penknife, we appraise Finnish fondness for fraternities and Russia’s yen for national pride.

Designed to keep going in all weather, this new driverless bus might not be fast (at least, not yet) but it’s certainly fun.

Two Germans are on a mission to heal the rifts that are threatening to split Europe – and they believe that free international train travel for all European 18-year-olds is the way to do it. So far the scheme is proving a hit.

Like any language, signing changes with the times – and that incorporates updates to include the latest obscenities and drug references. Monocle put its hands up for a lesson in lyrics at a Texas gig.

The president of the Rhode Island School of Design sketches out the make-up of her tight team.

The star of ‘Deutschland 83’ reveals that acting is just a side hustle – his first love is music.

It’s a valued institution but its reputation has been under fire: Monocle explores the complex role of the Guardia Civil.

Surely Vladimir Putin’s grip on power won’t last forever? We meet the activists preparing for Russia’s future.

A cabinet reshuffle in Peru and how environmentalism could shake up the EU elections.

Press freedom comes under the spotlight and the UK’s ambassador to Switzerland tells all.

Airbus gets a much-needed military order while Canada’s navy searches for more seamen (and women).

Athens’ outgoing mayor shares advice for his successor and Montréal’s shops start talking the talk.

In our new feature we’re heading to one nation per month to look at the ideas, practices and customs that are worth exporting. First up, Japan – policymakers take note.

While electric vehicles have been around for a while, they’ve never stolen the spotlight – until now. Monocle visits the Geneva International Motor Show and a smart charging point company in Finland to see if this could finally be the year they enter the fast lane.

Both highly practical and visually arresting, Leica’s handsome home reflects its status as a visionary presence in the photographic field.

Decent design has always prioritised better materials, using less and making things that are worth keeping. We profile three firms selling sustainability, storage and a sense of order that’s made to order.

Meet Margrethe Vestager, the EU competition commissioner who knits elephants while pulling apart the finances of technology behemoths.

Venezuelans in Madrid, the future of duty-free shopping and a spinning start-up in Mexico.

Are you sitting comfortably? It’s time for Monocle’s annual property survey, where we start with five distinguished developments.

Is it the cardinal sin? Not according to those who design the jackets that catch your eye in the bookshop. We meet them to find out why – when it comes to selecting reading material – it should be love at first sight.

Just when you thought the plug should be pulled on the tired old music talent show, along comes another new offering. Yet ‘Songland’, which sees the spotlight shift from singer to songwriter, promises something different. Apparently.

Abstract artist Frank Stella had his first Moma retrospective 50 years ago. We caught up with him as he prepared to show his latest colourful work, partly inspired by his smoking habit.

The days are getting longer and festival season is almost upon us. So take the initiative: head out to a sculpture park in Spain, a five-hour play in Melbourne or Venice’s Biennale with the help of our indispensible guide to the best films, series, art, books and exhibitions on offer this month.

Our pick of superlative designs that are functional, beautiful and made to last.

An inspiring school with high ideals created a space in which its pupils could foster their own creativity. No wonder so many of its alumni have become designers.

Good sense is winning out over pointless technology in the world of bathroom design.

A fearless Mexican city is drawing comparisons to the world’s most exciting design hubs. We meet its key figures.

A residents-funded revamp of a magnificent modernist tower block has given it the kiss of life – and attracted an array of creatives.

Melbourne’s mid-century milk bars are being reimagined by a new breed of entrepreneur. Who fancies a shake?

New York’s latest mega development might boast the mother of all malls but is an exciting food offer enough to tempt people to visit?

Our favourite food finds, from German cookbooks to a top new Toronto table.

The 1960s singer-songwriter and passionate advocate of indigenous rights, gives us a lesson in eating lobster at her favourite restaurant in Vancouver.

Tokyo is one of the world’s most fashionable cities – why does its fashion week lack global clout?

Luxury fashion in Mexico used to be European – but rising womenswear stars are redressing the balance.

A Tuscan menswear designer opens up shop, plus our favourite watch finds from Baselworld.

Comfort trumps all in the heat. These light and loose layers will keep you cool whatever summer throws at you.

Bright days are here at last so it’s time to make a statement. Pastels and block colours are all you need to stand out – and stay smart.

A tour of Row DTLA reveals a walkable side to shopping in the City of Angels plus plenty of divine takehomes.

As furniture shop Living Edge opens in Western Australia, we took a first look at its new space.

An old family pile, stripped back to reveal its former glory, starts a new chapter as a hotel.

Read on for the latest hotel openings and travel news from around the globe. First up we head to LA for a smart stay in an art deco building that’s been given a new lease of life.

Our collection of the best lamps and lights to brighten up your life, indoors and out.

Whether you’re after a design hotel in Budapest, a cup of Joe in New York, a memento from Santiago De Querétaro or tulips in Utrecht, our guide is here to help.

Rather than erase all evidence of Georgia’s Soviet past, the country’s architectural community is keen to preserve its history and give the once-foreboding buildings another – happier – lease of life.