Editor’s letter
Our editor in chief on what’s new in Monocle – and perhaps more importantly, the things that will remain resolutely the same.The opener
Mascots, Macron and Munich are on our mind this month as we embark on our regular round-up of worldly opinion.Welcome departure
Swiss International Airlines has established where the best journeys begin: offline.Testing, testing...
Whether they’re deciding on olive oil or a new mattress, Germans see what Stiftung Warentest has to say first.My cabinet
In a new regular feature we ask: who’s in your cabinet and who are the people that you can count on for support and council? First up is Daniel Skjeldam, the CEO of Norway’s premier ferry company Hurtigruten.Cosy corner
In a new series, we meet illustrious figures in the places that they feel most at ease. William Eggleston, once a reviled photographer in the art world, is now a hero who finds peace at his piano.
Eyes on the Élysée
Emmanuel Macron is a politician on a mission. We speak to the man who could be France’s next president.Killer in Manila
Under President Duterte, thousands of drug users and dealers have been gunned down. The response from the people of the Philippines? Carry on, please.Politics briefing
The Netherlands' great Left hope, potential power grabs in the Gulf and Australia tackles corruption.Economy briefing
Mexico and Canada reveal their Nafta red lines, Sweden and Denmark feel the effects of war in Syria, and Namibia pins its hopes on uranium.Diplomacy briefing
Why the Swiss ambassador to the EU is the man of the moment. Plus: Brazil's embassy in North Korea and the Czechs' man in Vietnam pulls a pint.Defence briefing
Trouble brewing in the Balkans, the cost of expanding the US navy and Israel's latest missile innovation.Cities briefing
Australia’s First Lady Lucy Turnbull is facing Sydney’s population growth head on. Plus: inspired travel connections in Abidjan and Gironella.The dogs’ barracks
From school killings to terror alerts, a dog is now a key investigator.
Sleep with me
Mattress-in-a-box companies seem to have sprung up out of nowhere. But as the sleep industry wakes from its slumber, there is a simple question: are any of these new arrivals really delivering a dream product?All Thai-ed up
From deli chains to department stores, wealthy Thai business owners are buying up foreign companies to expand their empires and increase profits. What’s next on their shopping lists?Triumph at the box office
To kick off a new series, the founders of storage start-up Turtlebox share their 10 steps to success, from rubber bands to a crumpling reminder of their roots.Head for heights
With a raft of new aircraft and a brand refresh waiting in the wings, we speak to Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr about what lies ahead for the German flag-carrier.Business briefing
Brand Assembly founder Hillary France, how to get better tourists and the revival of a historic Czech bicycle brand.
Pop – with strings attached
Prague’s orchestras have struck an international chord, with their redoubtable musicianship attracting big-name pop and music-score clients from Ennio Morricone to Adele.Paul Auster
The philosophical and prolific author’s latest novel is his most ambitious to date. Monocle sits down with him in his home in Brooklyn.Remote control
Norwegian game show ‘Lost in Time’ could be the future of TV – if they can persuade you to go interactive.Fulfilling a vision
Cindy, Lisa and Todd have changed your lives and taken over your TV menu. They are the power behind the Netflix throne and here’s what they have planned for their encore.Culture briefing
The true-crime paper turned stage show.
Beauty and the beef
How do you balance the welfare of livestock with an architectural aesthetic that befits bucolic surroundings? We pulled on our wellies to find out.Big drawer
IMM Cologne is where the major furniture trade deals are clinched. We sit down – on elegant chairs – with some of its most innovative attendees.Architecture briefing
A fix for an urban-planning disaster in Sydney and a Barcelona architecture firm on the up.Fresh perspectives
Living in the former home of a celebrated architect is a privilege – but it also comes with a sense of responsibility. Fortunately the occupants of Børge Mogensen’s sturdy, handsome house on the fringes of Copenhagen have got the balance just right.
Hot plates
Figgjo crockery is a Norwegian staple, from the prime minister’s residence to prisons – it’s also a smashing export.Pork schnitzel with potato salad
This satisfying meal requires no gourmet know-how. We’re firm believers that comfort and simplicity are key elements in creating the perfect, homely dish and after much deliberation the breaded cutlet won our hearts – and tastebuds – for a place at the table.Net gain
Sustainable fishing keeps family firms afloat – not least the Harveys, who ply their trade in the Bay of Plenty.Food & drink briefing
Miami round-up and wine regions to watch. Plus: Korean-style tapas and an unorthodox whiskey.Hala Gorani
The anchor and intrepid correspondent for CNN International on the culture and civility that define her Syrian heritage.
Home comforts
In the fashion world, ‘Made in Germany’ sort of falls flat – but A Kind of Guise is determined to raise the country’s profile.Can Japan save fashion?
Anxious luxury groups have seen big sales drops in China and Russia but one country just keeps growing.Tales of the Pitti
Twice a year Florence teems with well-heeled gents as Fortezza da Basso stages its key menswear trade fair. Here’s why it works.Fashion briefing
Asics, Perth menswear and Swedish shoes.Lighten up
The warmer months call for a set of key pieces, from lightweight cardigans and weatherproof macs to preppy polos and sharp blazers.
Straight to the Punta
A new hotel hones our view on the charms of Punta del Este.Travel briefing
Check in to the world of impeccable design, sharp service, dazzling views and any excuse for cocktails.City Guide: Las Palmas
Beyond the golden sands, Gran Canaria is bursting with surprises.Bright sparks
From classic dimmers and smart lampshades to slick light switches and striking cords.Retail briefing
Books to buy, films to see and shop openings.Best in class: Óptica Toscana
The duo with the very best eyewear that the spanish capital has to offer.The Directory
Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.
Issue 101
March 2017
At the front
Editor’s letter
Our editor in chief on what’s new in Monocle – and perhaps more importantly, the things that will remain resolutely the same.The opener
Mascots, Macron and Munich are on our mind this month as we embark on our regular round-up of worldly opinion.Welcome departure
Swiss International Airlines has established where the best journeys begin: offline.Testing, testing...
Whether they’re deciding on olive oil or a new mattress, Germans see what Stiftung Warentest has to say first.My cabinet
In a new regular feature we ask: who’s in your cabinet and who are the people that you can count on for support and council? First up is Daniel Skjeldam, the CEO of Norway’s premier ferry company Hurtigruten.Cosy corner
In a new series, we meet illustrious figures in the places that they feel most at ease. William Eggleston, once a reviled photographer in the art world, is now a hero who finds peace at his piano.
Affairs
Eyes on the Élysée
Emmanuel Macron is a politician on a mission. We speak to the man who could be France’s next president.Killer in Manila
Under President Duterte, thousands of drug users and dealers have been gunned down. The response from the people of the Philippines? Carry on, please.Politics briefing
The Netherlands' great Left hope, potential power grabs in the Gulf and Australia tackles corruption.Economy briefing
Mexico and Canada reveal their Nafta red lines, Sweden and Denmark feel the effects of war in Syria, and Namibia pins its hopes on uranium.Diplomacy briefing
Why the Swiss ambassador to the EU is the man of the moment. Plus: Brazil's embassy in North Korea and the Czechs' man in Vietnam pulls a pint.Defence briefing
Trouble brewing in the Balkans, the cost of expanding the US navy and Israel's latest missile innovation.Cities briefing
Australia’s First Lady Lucy Turnbull is facing Sydney’s population growth head on. Plus: inspired travel connections in Abidjan and Gironella.The dogs’ barracks
From school killings to terror alerts, a dog is now a key investigator.
Expo
Business
Sleep with me
Mattress-in-a-box companies seem to have sprung up out of nowhere. But as the sleep industry wakes from its slumber, there is a simple question: are any of these new arrivals really delivering a dream product?All Thai-ed up
From deli chains to department stores, wealthy Thai business owners are buying up foreign companies to expand their empires and increase profits. What’s next on their shopping lists?Triumph at the box office
To kick off a new series, the founders of storage start-up Turtlebox share their 10 steps to success, from rubber bands to a crumpling reminder of their roots.Head for heights
With a raft of new aircraft and a brand refresh waiting in the wings, we speak to Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr about what lies ahead for the German flag-carrier.Business briefing
Brand Assembly founder Hillary France, how to get better tourists and the revival of a historic Czech bicycle brand.
Culture
Pop – with strings attached
Prague’s orchestras have struck an international chord, with their redoubtable musicianship attracting big-name pop and music-score clients from Ennio Morricone to Adele.Paul Auster
The philosophical and prolific author’s latest novel is his most ambitious to date. Monocle sits down with him in his home in Brooklyn.Remote control
Norwegian game show ‘Lost in Time’ could be the future of TV – if they can persuade you to go interactive.Fulfilling a vision
Cindy, Lisa and Todd have changed your lives and taken over your TV menu. They are the power behind the Netflix throne and here’s what they have planned for their encore.Culture briefing
The true-crime paper turned stage show.
Design
Beauty and the beef
How do you balance the welfare of livestock with an architectural aesthetic that befits bucolic surroundings? We pulled on our wellies to find out.Big drawer
IMM Cologne is where the major furniture trade deals are clinched. We sit down – on elegant chairs – with some of its most innovative attendees.Architecture briefing
A fix for an urban-planning disaster in Sydney and a Barcelona architecture firm on the up.Fresh perspectives
Living in the former home of a celebrated architect is a privilege – but it also comes with a sense of responsibility. Fortunately the occupants of Børge Mogensen’s sturdy, handsome house on the fringes of Copenhagen have got the balance just right.
Entertaining
Hot plates
Figgjo crockery is a Norwegian staple, from the prime minister’s residence to prisons – it’s also a smashing export.Pork schnitzel with potato salad
This satisfying meal requires no gourmet know-how. We’re firm believers that comfort and simplicity are key elements in creating the perfect, homely dish and after much deliberation the breaded cutlet won our hearts – and tastebuds – for a place at the table.Net gain
Sustainable fishing keeps family firms afloat – not least the Harveys, who ply their trade in the Bay of Plenty.Food & drink briefing
Miami round-up and wine regions to watch. Plus: Korean-style tapas and an unorthodox whiskey.Hala Gorani
The anchor and intrepid correspondent for CNN International on the culture and civility that define her Syrian heritage.
Fashion
Home comforts
In the fashion world, ‘Made in Germany’ sort of falls flat – but A Kind of Guise is determined to raise the country’s profile.Can Japan save fashion?
Anxious luxury groups have seen big sales drops in China and Russia but one country just keeps growing.Tales of the Pitti
Twice a year Florence teems with well-heeled gents as Fortezza da Basso stages its key menswear trade fair. Here’s why it works.Fashion briefing
Asics, Perth menswear and Swedish shoes.Lighten up
The warmer months call for a set of key pieces, from lightweight cardigans and weatherproof macs to preppy polos and sharp blazers.
Inventory
Straight to the Punta
A new hotel hones our view on the charms of Punta del Este.Travel briefing
Check in to the world of impeccable design, sharp service, dazzling views and any excuse for cocktails.City Guide: Las Palmas
Beyond the golden sands, Gran Canaria is bursting with surprises.Bright sparks
From classic dimmers and smart lampshades to slick light switches and striking cords.Retail briefing
Books to buy, films to see and shop openings.Best in class: Óptica Toscana
The duo with the very best eyewear that the spanish capital has to offer.The Directory
Where to sleep, eat and shop this month.