Design
Page 208
Playing footsie
Monocle pulls back the tablecloth at our favourite brasserie for a flash of heel, a hint of calf and a couple of handsome ankles and some good brogues, wedges and loafers.
One to watch
The BaselWorld watch fair is ticking over nicely. With watchmakers posting healthy profits, everything from jewel-encrusted timepieces to golden age classics are on display. And the trade chatter? Chinese and Brazilian markets.
Fresh start
Setting up shop on your own after three decades at a leading engineering firm is a huge leap of faith. For Cecil Balmond, running a nascent design company with his daughter seemed logical.
Making shelter
Housing manufacturers are providing prefabricated homes for those in areas worst hit by Japan’s tsunami. Monocle visits Rikuzen-Takata, where over a third of the town needs shelter.
Observation
The trouble with editing an issue featuring a design directory is that it immediately forces you to challenge and rethink most things in your daily routine, says Tyler Brûlé.
Cogan’s run
Andrew Cogan, CEO of design firm Knoll, has made some hard decisions while building a loyal team. His management style sees him choosing face-to-face meetings over Skype and Jay-Z over management tomes.
Inventory No. 43
Wooden games, fine chocolate, olive oil and extra-slim soap bars are on the Monocle shopping list this month
Expo 43: Treasure trove
Japan’s ‘Living National Treasures’ are master craftsmen, artists and musicians who represent the country’s tradition and resilience. Gatekeepers of artistic and artisanal trades, Monocle meets 11 of these dedicated and passionate individuals.
The show man
Influential London gallery owner Harry Blain believes his success relies on the trust he has built with some of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists. We catch him between art fairs.
