Editor’s letter
Our editor in chief on why “Made in the US” was making a fashion comeback back before Trump turned up and how to get the best out of this well-dressed issue.The opener
We touch down in Sri Lanka, keep an ear out in Switzerland and bring good news from San Francisco in our monthly round-up of global viewpoints.Fluorescent preadolescents
From the playhouse to acid house, when kids party they party hard. Can the parents keep up?Showing their rage
One group of senior dissenters has fought injustice for 30 years. We meet the Raging Grannies.My cabinet
In the fiercely competitive world of mall development, Thailand’s Siam Piwat is the gold standard. CEO Chadatip Chutrakul makes sure it stays that way with a team of visionaries.Cosy corner
As resilient and storied as the city she calls home, Marianne Faithfull is far from your average grande rock’n’roll dame.
Beware of the bear
The Nordic nations are increasingly wary of Russia. We head to Sweden to see how it is preparing to defend itself.Career advisers
With the German chancellor’s position hanging in the balance, we ask politicians, journalists, media experts and more to give us their angle on Angela’s next move – was jetzt?Politics briefing
Fundraising in Burkina Faso, the Mexican governor tackling corruption and referendums to watch.Economy briefing
Pulitzer-winning author Thomas Friedman on globalisation, how the Netherlands is capitalising on Brexit and Australia’s plans for growth.Diplomacy briefing
The boom in embassy building in Canberra and the return of diplomatic relations in Libya. Plus: Nato’s man in Moscow bows out of his “kamikaze” job.Defence briefing
Nuclear take-off in North Korea, the ongoing flight of the Warthog and dealing with cyber security.Cities briefing
Mayor Solly Msimanga is fighting corruption in Tshwane, South Africa. Plus: getting Yangon on the move again and news from Buenos Aires and Madrid.Against the grain
Renho Murata is the leader of Japan’s opposition. She talks economics, migration and why she won’t be ‘getting the saké’.Playing with fire
Tired of western rhetoric and inspired by the autocracy of its neighbours, does Azerbaijan risk further isolation?Uniting nation
Having only 430,000 fellow countrymen hasn’t stopped Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat from becoming an EU leader of influence.
Well served
What if hotels and restaurants were unable to employ the global workforce that has made them so successful? If you like your flat white with a smile, read on.A toast to good design
The founder of innovative appliance company Balmuda shares his love of quick naps and a little tipple.Keep on trucking
Truckmaker Scania is the first firm to undergo our new HQ Audit. Will the wheels come off as we take a tour of its head office in Sweden?Cruise control
As Paolo Vitelli prepares to hand the reins of his world-dominating luxury-yacht business to his daughter, it seems unlikely that he will be heading into retirement quietly.Business briefing
Keeping the drone market flying, rebranding a heritage distillery in Finland and making the cut in China.
Cultural oasis
Every year fans of modernism descend on Palm Springs for a celebration that treats designers and architects like movie stars. Cocktail in hand, we joined the throng and took in the lasting legacy of California’s mid-century masters.A new chapter
Independent bookshops in China are operating with a new lease of life. We find a quiet corner in three of the best to find out how they keep customers coming back.Fun of the fair
New York’s art-world innovator Independent is taking its idiosyncratic style to Brussels. We ask some key figures what makes it special.Culture briefing
Smart new Italian TV productions. Ciao.
Assembled with care
Furniture colossus Ikea is dismantling its reputation and trying to build not only a better public image but also a better future.Architecture briefing
Small-space living in Japan and a Sydney-based graphic studio with a Dutch sensibility.Nicely spruced up
How do you win a design competition in the Dolomites? By coming up with a ‘stube’ that respects the landscape and yet dares to be different.Chinese whispers
Casa Xina is all China-inspired folly on the outside but inside it’s a world of quiet and calm. And the residents are happy to conspire to keep it that way.
Mixing it up
The food processor that is not only stirring up the home-cookery market but also feeding a publishing boom.Thrill of the grill
Italy’s premier fast-food pitstop has hit the slow lane. Its restaurants are now embracing sustainability and provenance with tasty results.Food & drink briefing
Where to find the tastiest cheese in California. Plus: Stockholm round-up and brewing in Belfast.Pear and olive oil cake
Cakes made with olive oil aren’t just the preserve of modern-day master bakers: they have been rising to the occasion for centuries. Here at Monocle we like to take the occasional break to sample a slice of something indulgent – and this dish is a firm and fuss-free favourite.Umberto Angeloni
The CEO of Caruso on how his upbringing in Somalia sharpened his taste for all things Italian.
Emerging patterns
Shops and stylists, tailors and tracht: welcome to Monocle’s worldwide wardrobe of fashion-forward folk to keep an eye on.On the run
Indie sports-shoe brands are giving the big players a run for their money – and Spalwart is at the front of the pack.Beginners’ look
From a highly supportive French underwear brand to a horn-rimmed eyewear specialist and a village-based UK company with global connections, we take in three fledgling fashion businesses ready to take flight.Making a stand
Fifty years ago it was easy for a man to sport head-to-toe ‘Made in the USA’ brands. Today? Well, these stalwarts have survived and while some have moved manufacturing overseas others are busy boosting their production in the US.Making time
In a tough environment for watchmakers, A Lange & Söhne is determined to maintain the high standards that have won it a loyal following. CEO Wilhelm Schmid explains his plans.Sharp little numbers
From updated classics to new launches, we round up our favourite timepieces set to grace the wrists of discerning collectors this season. Let’s give them a big hand.Making the cut
Lebanon has produced some of the world’s best couturiers but a new generation of creatives are now creating an edgier fashion scene.Action heroes
Sportswear fair Ispo featured all the new cutting-edge attire for the great outdoors (or the coffee run). Here are the standout brands that you should know about.Work hard, play hard
From natty jackets and trim trousers to sharp shoes and accessories, we present a roster of workwear that will leave you looking slick in the office and dapper come the evening.Cutting a dash
When you’re commuting, be it a stroll to the office or a short-haul business trip, comfort, practicality and a sharp look need to be top of the agenda.
Take it slow
A boutique hotel where you can kick back in leafy Canggu.Travel briefing
Whether you’re taking to the skies above Montréal or lying low in New York, this month’s round-up will ensure you’re fully briefed.City guide
Artistically and economically diverse, the texan city’s wealth is more cultural than petrochemical.Immaculate conception
As spring ushers in fresh beginnings it is time to heed our testament to tidiness.Retail briefing
Thrilling reads, unmissable shops, hot tracks and enticing products.Best in class: Fratelli Bonvini
The vintage milanese stationer keeping the written word alive.The Directory
Sleep, eat and shop in our top cities.
Issue 102
April 2017
At the front
Editor’s letter
Our editor in chief on why “Made in the US” was making a fashion comeback back before Trump turned up and how to get the best out of this well-dressed issue.The opener
We touch down in Sri Lanka, keep an ear out in Switzerland and bring good news from San Francisco in our monthly round-up of global viewpoints.Fluorescent preadolescents
From the playhouse to acid house, when kids party they party hard. Can the parents keep up?Showing their rage
One group of senior dissenters has fought injustice for 30 years. We meet the Raging Grannies.My cabinet
In the fiercely competitive world of mall development, Thailand’s Siam Piwat is the gold standard. CEO Chadatip Chutrakul makes sure it stays that way with a team of visionaries.Cosy corner
As resilient and storied as the city she calls home, Marianne Faithfull is far from your average grande rock’n’roll dame.
Affairs
Beware of the bear
The Nordic nations are increasingly wary of Russia. We head to Sweden to see how it is preparing to defend itself.Career advisers
With the German chancellor’s position hanging in the balance, we ask politicians, journalists, media experts and more to give us their angle on Angela’s next move – was jetzt?Politics briefing
Fundraising in Burkina Faso, the Mexican governor tackling corruption and referendums to watch.Economy briefing
Pulitzer-winning author Thomas Friedman on globalisation, how the Netherlands is capitalising on Brexit and Australia’s plans for growth.Diplomacy briefing
The boom in embassy building in Canberra and the return of diplomatic relations in Libya. Plus: Nato’s man in Moscow bows out of his “kamikaze” job.Defence briefing
Nuclear take-off in North Korea, the ongoing flight of the Warthog and dealing with cyber security.Cities briefing
Mayor Solly Msimanga is fighting corruption in Tshwane, South Africa. Plus: getting Yangon on the move again and news from Buenos Aires and Madrid.Against the grain
Renho Murata is the leader of Japan’s opposition. She talks economics, migration and why she won’t be ‘getting the saké’.Playing with fire
Tired of western rhetoric and inspired by the autocracy of its neighbours, does Azerbaijan risk further isolation?Uniting nation
Having only 430,000 fellow countrymen hasn’t stopped Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat from becoming an EU leader of influence.
Business
Well served
What if hotels and restaurants were unable to employ the global workforce that has made them so successful? If you like your flat white with a smile, read on.A toast to good design
The founder of innovative appliance company Balmuda shares his love of quick naps and a little tipple.Keep on trucking
Truckmaker Scania is the first firm to undergo our new HQ Audit. Will the wheels come off as we take a tour of its head office in Sweden?Cruise control
As Paolo Vitelli prepares to hand the reins of his world-dominating luxury-yacht business to his daughter, it seems unlikely that he will be heading into retirement quietly.Business briefing
Keeping the drone market flying, rebranding a heritage distillery in Finland and making the cut in China.
Culture
Cultural oasis
Every year fans of modernism descend on Palm Springs for a celebration that treats designers and architects like movie stars. Cocktail in hand, we joined the throng and took in the lasting legacy of California’s mid-century masters.A new chapter
Independent bookshops in China are operating with a new lease of life. We find a quiet corner in three of the best to find out how they keep customers coming back.Fun of the fair
New York’s art-world innovator Independent is taking its idiosyncratic style to Brussels. We ask some key figures what makes it special.Culture briefing
Smart new Italian TV productions. Ciao.
Expo
Design
Assembled with care
Furniture colossus Ikea is dismantling its reputation and trying to build not only a better public image but also a better future.Architecture briefing
Small-space living in Japan and a Sydney-based graphic studio with a Dutch sensibility.Nicely spruced up
How do you win a design competition in the Dolomites? By coming up with a ‘stube’ that respects the landscape and yet dares to be different.Chinese whispers
Casa Xina is all China-inspired folly on the outside but inside it’s a world of quiet and calm. And the residents are happy to conspire to keep it that way.
Entertaining
Mixing it up
The food processor that is not only stirring up the home-cookery market but also feeding a publishing boom.Thrill of the grill
Italy’s premier fast-food pitstop has hit the slow lane. Its restaurants are now embracing sustainability and provenance with tasty results.Food & drink briefing
Where to find the tastiest cheese in California. Plus: Stockholm round-up and brewing in Belfast.Pear and olive oil cake
Cakes made with olive oil aren’t just the preserve of modern-day master bakers: they have been rising to the occasion for centuries. Here at Monocle we like to take the occasional break to sample a slice of something indulgent – and this dish is a firm and fuss-free favourite.Umberto Angeloni
The CEO of Caruso on how his upbringing in Somalia sharpened his taste for all things Italian.
Fashion
Emerging patterns
Shops and stylists, tailors and tracht: welcome to Monocle’s worldwide wardrobe of fashion-forward folk to keep an eye on.On the run
Indie sports-shoe brands are giving the big players a run for their money – and Spalwart is at the front of the pack.Beginners’ look
From a highly supportive French underwear brand to a horn-rimmed eyewear specialist and a village-based UK company with global connections, we take in three fledgling fashion businesses ready to take flight.Making a stand
Fifty years ago it was easy for a man to sport head-to-toe ‘Made in the USA’ brands. Today? Well, these stalwarts have survived and while some have moved manufacturing overseas others are busy boosting their production in the US.Making time
In a tough environment for watchmakers, A Lange & Söhne is determined to maintain the high standards that have won it a loyal following. CEO Wilhelm Schmid explains his plans.Sharp little numbers
From updated classics to new launches, we round up our favourite timepieces set to grace the wrists of discerning collectors this season. Let’s give them a big hand.Making the cut
Lebanon has produced some of the world’s best couturiers but a new generation of creatives are now creating an edgier fashion scene.Action heroes
Sportswear fair Ispo featured all the new cutting-edge attire for the great outdoors (or the coffee run). Here are the standout brands that you should know about.Work hard, play hard
From natty jackets and trim trousers to sharp shoes and accessories, we present a roster of workwear that will leave you looking slick in the office and dapper come the evening.Cutting a dash
When you’re commuting, be it a stroll to the office or a short-haul business trip, comfort, practicality and a sharp look need to be top of the agenda.
Inventory
Take it slow
A boutique hotel where you can kick back in leafy Canggu.Travel briefing
Whether you’re taking to the skies above Montréal or lying low in New York, this month’s round-up will ensure you’re fully briefed.City guide
Artistically and economically diverse, the texan city’s wealth is more cultural than petrochemical.Immaculate conception
As spring ushers in fresh beginnings it is time to heed our testament to tidiness.Retail briefing
Thrilling reads, unmissable shops, hot tracks and enticing products.Best in class: Fratelli Bonvini
The vintage milanese stationer keeping the written word alive.The Directory
Sleep, eat and shop in our top cities.