Monocle Cafe

It's hard not to fall in love with Monocle. What was once just a magazine is now practically a religion for its increasing number of fans all over the world. After branching out into retail and radio, Monocle is now entering the world of F&B with the very first Monocle Cafe.



Located at the Hankyu Men's Department Store in Tokyo, the cafe strikes a perfect balance between design, tasty food and amazing coffee (provided by none other than Omotesando Koffee).





The cafe features handsome furnishings designed by Naoto Fukasawa and Jasper Morrison, while Bolichwerke lampshades provide soft lighting throughout the space.



In addition, essential accessories from the Monocle shop are also available, beautifully displayed on Vitsoe shelves.

With such an overwhelming presence of the Monocle brand in this breathtaking space, you'll surely fall in love with Monocle all over again.

Hiroshi Tsubouchi

The first time I heard of Hiroshi Tsubouchi footwear was when Monocle collaborated with the brand to come up with a limited edition line of leather slip-ons.


Monocle x Hiroshi Tsubouchi leather slip-ons

Soon, you'll be able to purchase Hiroshi Tsubouchi footwear from everybody's favourite web shop, Tres Bien. Here's a look at some of the current styles:









Click here to see the other styles.

Images via Tres Bien

My Hong Kong Part 1

For some people, the idea of a perfect getaway would be somewhere quiet like a secluded beach. Well, not me. Rather than going for R&R somewhere tranquil with hardly anyone around, I opt for vibrant cities where there's always something going on. Hong Kong has always ranked high on my go-to scale because of the energy it radiates; the buzz of the people on the streets; the neon lights that illuminate the dreariest of nights.

Here's a pictorial entry on one of my favourite places on earth, celebrating the sights and spectacles Hong Kong has to offer.




The Airport Express is where my trip begins. This service connects the airport to key parts of Hong Kong such as Tsing Yi, Kowloon and Hong Kong




Working your way around the city is made easy by the subway, or more commonly known as the MTR. There's a certain rush I get every time I descend to this subterranean wonderland. The ads adorning the walls, fashionable folks whizzing by you, the colourful tiled walls - these are the things that never fail to leave me in awe.


One of the best things about Hong Kong are the hidden neighbourhoods. Break away from the main shopping drags and numerous malls and you'll find specialty boutiques, quaint cafes and a whole lot of character. Such is the case with St. Francis Street in the Wan Chai area. Make your way up this steep road and you'll be greeted by...


...the Monocle shop!


From the Monocle shop, walk further down and you'll see F.I.L. Visvim fans, rejoice! The beautiful structure and space perfectly complements the apparel from the famous Japanese label.




The fun doesn't end at F.I.L. Turn right and you'll find a small alley that will lead you to Sun Street, where the amazing specialty store Ka-pok is. If you're looking for Uniform Wares watches, Mismo bags, Astier de Villatte perfume or Mizensir candles, this is the place to go. They also have a little cafe where you can order a delicious cuppa.

A Closer Look: Monocle Shop, Hong Kong

I just came back from a weekend trip to Hong Kong. Of course, the vacation wouldn't be complete without visiting the Monocle shop. Here's a closer look inside, as well as some of the items currently available.


As you enter the store, the section on the left showcases some of the latest Monocle collaborations with clothing brands like Loopwheeler, Kitsune and FilMelange. The shelves on top are dotted with a variety of items like CDs, books, decor, the BlackBerry x Monocle phone and past issues of the magazine.


To keep your footsies warm while on the plane, check out the colourful socks from the Tabio x Monocle collab. They come in an assortment of colour combinations and two sizes, small and large.



Over on the right side, you'll find the famous Porter x Monocle bags, perfect for business travel or solo sojourns. You can also find other items like leather travel slippers, Brooklyn leather wristbands, Comme Des Garcons fragrances and candles, passport holders, business card cases and an assortment of finely crafted stationery.


While the shop is small, they've managed to maximize the space. In this photo, you'll see various issues of the magazine displayed on the steps.


Framed posters that will liven up any bare wall.


A duffle bag of wooden blocks, anyone?


A cozy lounge area further inside. Here, you can sit down for a chat with the shop staff or place your shopping bags so you can check out the shop with both hands free.

The Monocle Shop Hong Kong
Shop 1 U/G, Bo Fung Mansion
1-4 St. Francis Yard
Wanchai, Hong Kong


*Many thanks to Gokie for allowing me to take photos!

Goods from the Monocle Shop

A sturdy, practical bag from the Monocle and Porter collaboration.


Perfectly fits a 13-inch laptop, a copy of Monocle and other things you need when going around the city.


Studded with simple leather details.


A special-edition red leather bracelet in support of Japan.


A Monocle collaboration with Brooklyn Tokyo. Made in Japan for Japan.

Monocle Shop, Hong Kong

Of course, any visit wouldn't be complete without buying anything. So what did I buy? Will reveal in the next post.

What Hong Kong has in store

I.T Hysan


Monocle Shop, Hong Kong


Opening Ceremony x Lane Crawford


Kapok


Will be visiting these places in three days! Can't wait!

2011 Reading Material

Monocle December 2010 - January 2011


Monocle Alpino


The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova


World War Z by Max Brooks

Dreaming of Rio

I've been quite obsessed with Brazil lately, particularly Rio de Janeiro, thanks to Monocle's city survey which appears in the current issue.







To satiate my Rio obsession, I purchased the Muji BGM 13. It contains songs perfect for those instances when I feel like I want to be transported to Ipanema beach, while sipping a caipirinha and living the carioca life.

Click on the links below to sample some of the tracks which appear on the CD.

Até Amanhã

Brejeiro

Minha Viola

J.Crew X Monocle

Last Thursday, I visited the J.Crew website to check out the new offerings they had in store. Imagine my surprise when I saw the men behind Monocle sporting the new spring collection.

There was also a very informative Q&A with each member of the team and it makes for a very interesting read. Click here to check it out. In the meantime, here are some photos. Enjoy!


Tyler Brûlé, Editor In Chief


Andrew Tuck, Editor


Alexander Mills, Assistant to the Editor In Chief


Takeharu Sato, Fashion Markets Editor


Robert Bound, Section Editor, Culture


Saul Taylor, Section Editor, Edits



Photos via Inventory