In a competitive world driven by technological advances, some artisan producers are staying resilient and challenging the mass-produced industry. Monocle films visits entrepreneurs in Istanbul, Cape Town and Mallorca who…
A family-run shoe-polish manufacturer on the outskirts of Paris with over eight decades of experience has big global plans, in spite of its diminutive size.
Since 1880 Horgenglarus has made furniture using time-honoured techniques. That’s why its classic, sturdy chairs are still in high demand in the Alpine nation, used by both parliament and the general public, and have become…
While it’s the fanfare at the fashion industry’s front end that grabs the headlines, it’s often the smaller firms further down the manufacturing chain that are adding real value.
Unreliable labelling, products made in questionable factories – are luxury brands about to face Foxconn-style scandals? We look at the firms leading a provenance revival from LA to Helsinki.
Everyone loves an urban village but few cities know quite how to get the mix of retail, services and residents right. London recently decided to grass over Trafalgar Square temporarily to celebrate its urban villages while…
This month we bring you an embroidered badge set, a colour-coordinated range of sake, an astronomical children’s book and a hand-cranked coffee grinder that will please the purists.
From micro to macro, we celebrate three close-knit communities where we would happily see out 2009. These are places that because of design, history or geography have what it takes for an easy going and cosy way of life.…
Japan’s faltering position on the world stage has been defined by its post-luxury population’s obsession with the good life, Italian style. It’s time for this proud nation to step up and get on with it.
A new year is the time for bringing out your best stationery and writing a list. Ours is a rundown of things that are set to make life better in the coming year, whether it’s a clever new business or a cultural opening, a…
This month’s shopping selection includes a wine aroma kit that’ll turn you into a connoisseur, a collectable wooden songbird by Kay Bojesen and wooden speakers to play your tunes.
From US whiskey that offers a gulp of the gold-rush era to scented natural candles, June's selection is a fulsome blend of naughty and nice treats. It's the perfect spread to kickstart your summer spree.