{{Short description|Lifestyle magazine}} {{For|the political satire magazine from the 1950s–1960s|Monocle (satirical magazine)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox magazine | title = Monocle | logo = 200px|class=skin-invert-image | image_file = Monocle magazine issue 151 cover.webp | image_alt = Illustrated cover of Monocle's 15th anniversary issue showing a man reading | image_caption = Cover of issue 151, 15th anniversary special (March 2022) | editor = Tyler Brûlé | editor_title = Editor in chief and chairman | editor2 = Andrew Tuck | editor_title2 = Magazine editor | frequency = 10 issues per year, plus ''The Forecast'', ''The Escapist'' and ''The Drinking and Dining Directory'' | category = Culture, international affairs, design, fashion, travel, business | total_circulation = 80,251 (ABC total)<ref>{{cite web |title=Monocle |url=http://www.abc.org.uk/Certificates/47790043.pdf |publisher=ABC |access-date=31 December 2015}}</ref> | circulation_year = 1 July 2015 – 31 December 2016 | company = [https://www.winkreative.com/ Winkreative Ltd] | publisher = Anders Braso | founded = {{start date and age|2007|2|15|df=y}}, London | firstdate = {{launch date and age|2007|2|15|df=y}}, London | country = International | based = London, UK, with offices in Tokyo, Toronto, Hong Kong and Zurich | language = English | website = {{URL|monocle.com}} | issn = 1753-2434 }} '''''Monocle''''' is a global affairs and lifestyle magazine published by Winkreative Ltd. It also operates a 24-hour internet radio station, a retail business, and an associated website. The magazine was founded in London in 2007 by Tyler Brûlé, a Canadian entrepreneur and co-founder of ''Wallpaper*'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Nick |title=Copenhagen named worlds best city for quality of life by Monocle magazine |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/denmark/2098269/Copenhagen-named-worlds-best-city-for-quality-of-life-by-Monocle-magazine.html |work=The Telegraph |date=9 June 2008 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bell |first=Matthew |title=Monocle: 'It's the media project that I've always wanted to do' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/monocle-its-the-media-project-that-ive-always-wanted-to-do-2040516.html |work=The Independent |date=1 August 2010 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref>
In 2014, Brûlé sold a minority stake in ''Monocle'' to Japanese publisher Nikkei Inc., valuing the company at approximately US$115 million. The size of the investment was not disclosed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mance |first1=Henry |title=Tyler Brûlé's Monocle magazine valued at $115m |url=https://www.ft.com/content/54a7da6e-320c-11e4-b929-00144feabdc0 |newspaper=Financial Times |date=September 2014 |access-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> In December of the same year, the magazine introduced ''The Forecast'', a seasonal publication. A travel-focused title, ''The Escapist'', followed in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan the Country to Watch in 2015: Monocle's Tuck |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2014-12-03/kazakhstan-2015s-country-to-watch-monocles-tuck |website=Bloomberg |date=3 December 2014 |access-date=16 February 2015}}</ref>
== Operations == === Print and publishing === ==== Magazine ==== Brûlé launched ''Monocle'' in February 2007 as a print magazine, financed by a group of private investors. It is published 10 times a year and is printed entirely in English.<ref>{{cite news |title=20 independent magazines that every creative should have on their coffee table |url=https://www.creativeboom.com/resources/20-independent-magazines-that-every-creative-should-have-on-their-coffee-table/ |work=Creative Boom |date=9 November 2015 |access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref> The publication has been described by journalists as a lifestyle magazine aimed at globally mobile professionals.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nolan |first=Hamilton |title=Lifestyle Magazine Is Ashamed Of Itself |url=https://www.gawker.com/5028854/lifestyle-magazine-is-ashamed-of-itself |work=Gawker.com |date=24 July 2008 |access-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208102103/https://www.gawker.com/5028854/lifestyle-magazine-is-ashamed-of-itself |archive-date=8 February 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sicha |first=Choire |title=Our Dream Magazine |url=https://www.gawker.com/266567/our-dream-magazine |work=Gawker.com |date=6 June 2007 |access-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208102106/https://www.gawker.com/266567/our-dream-magazine |archive-date=8 February 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Shafrir |first=Doree |title='Monocle' Sells Chic Two-Wheeling Lifestyle |url=https://www.gawker.com/256796/monocle-sells-chic-two-wheeling-lifestyle |publisher=Gawker.com |date=1 May 2007 |access-date=2 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212095015/https://www.gawker.com/256796/monocle-sells-chic-two-wheeling-lifestyle |archive-date=12 February 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2010, the magazine introduced seasonal print newspapers: ''Monocle Mediterraneo'' during the summer, and ''Monocle Alpino'' in winter.<ref>{{cite web |title=Out now: Monocle Mediterraneo #9 |url=https://magculture.com/blogs/journal/out-now-monocle-mediterraneo-9 |publisher=MagCulture |date=1 August 2014 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Levy |first=Katherine |title=Monocle launches winter paper Monocle Alpino |url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/monocle-launches-winter-paper-monocle-alpino/1043964 |work=Mediaweek |date=30 November 2010 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref> Both were discontinued in 2014 and replaced by annual publications ''The Forecast'' and ''The Escapist''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kazakhstan the Country to Watch in 2015: Monocle's Tuck |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2014-12-03/kazakhstan-2015s-country-to-watch-monocles-tuck |website=Bloomberg |date=3 December 2014 |access-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> As of that time, ''Monocle'' did not maintain official accounts on major social media platforms.
The magazine contains both traditional advertising and sponsored content, including in-house reports and surveys.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carr |first=David |author-link=David Carr (journalist) |title=Monocle: A Magazine, an Attitude |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/business/media/24carr.html |work=The New York Times |date=23 August 2009 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref>
==== Books ==== In 2013, ''Monocle'' collaborated with the Berlin-based publisher Gestalten to release its first book, ''The Monocle Guide to Better Living''. Several other titles followed, including ''The Monocle Guide to Good Business'', ''The Monocle Guide to Cosy Homes'', ''How to Make a Nation: A Monocle Guide'', and ''The Monocle Guide to Drinking and Dining''. The magazine also co-publishes a series of travel guides covering various international cities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Monocle Titles |url=https://gestalten.com/collections/monocle-titles |website=Gestalten |language=en |access-date=2 March 2020}}</ref>
==== Radio ==== {{Main|Monocle Radio}} thumb|262x262px|alt=Estonian official being interviewed by Monocle Radio at the 2025 Munich Security Conference|Estonian official interviewed at the 2025 Munich Security Conference by Monocle Radio
Monocle Radio is an English-language internet radio station broadcasting from Midori House in London. Launched as Monocle 24 in October 2011, it features weekday news programmes and weekly shows covering business, culture, design, food, media, and urban affairs. The schedule includes both live and on-demand content, with much of its audience engagement occurring via downloads.
The station originated from ''The Monocle Weekly'', a podcast launched in December 2008 by Andrew Tuck and Robert Bound, which became a one-hour weekend radio programme. Early weekday shows included ''The Globalist'', ''The Briefing'', ''Midori House'', and ''The Monocle Daily''. Other themed segments have included ''Culture with Robert Bound'', ''Section D'', ''The Entrepreneurs'', and ''The Urbanist''. Programmes initially ran for 50 minutes, shortened to 30 minutes in 2015, when new shows such as ''The Big Interview'' and ''The Monocle Arts Review'' were introduced.
Programming changes over time included the addition of ''The Stack'' in 2012 and ''The Globalist Asia'' in 2013. The station also broadcasts content from international events. A monthly podcast, ''Konfekt Korner'', is produced in association with its sister publication ''Konfekt''.
Monocle 24's editorial approach has drawn comparisons to public broadcasters such as the BBC World Service, ABC (Australia), and CBC (Canada). Brûlé has described the station as reflecting a Commonwealth-style public service model. Content is presented by Monocle staff and contributing broadcasters from bureaux in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Zürich.
Sponsorship has included support from UBS, Novartis, and Allianz, with past branded segments produced in partnership with firms such as BMW, Rolex, Chanel, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Monocle 24 has aired over 60 programmes since 2011, though early hourly newscasts, weather reports, and overnight bulletins from ABC Radio were phased out by 2015.
==== Monocle TV ====
In early 2011, six episodes of a Monocle television programme were broadcast internationally on Bloomberg.<ref>{{cite web |title=Monocle on Bloomberg Debuts Tomorrow |url=http://themagaziner.com/2011/01/monocle-on-bloomberg-debuts-tomorrow/ |work=The Magaziner |access-date=17 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627223302/http://themagaziner.com/2011/01/monocle-on-bloomberg-debuts-tomorrow/ |archive-date=27 June 2012}}</ref>
=== Website === Monocle's website offers digital access to its magazine archive, with full content available to subscribers and a limited number of free articles per issue. It also hosts over 500 publicly accessible films, slideshows, and documentaries, which are additionally distributed via iTunes and YouTube.
Retail products, including in-house designs and selected collaborations, are available through the website and in Monocle retail locations worldwide.<ref name="Suqi">{{cite news |last=Suqi |first=Rima |title=Monocle Magazine Opens Tiny Shop |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/garden/02open.html |work=The New York Times |date=2 September 2010 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref> The website also streams Monocle 24, the company’s radio station, and provides access to its archive of speech-based programmes.
The site launched alongside the magazine in 2007 and underwent a redesign in November 2012. In 2013, it received several Lovie Awards, including Gold for Best Writing – Editorial, Silver for Lifestyle, and Bronze for Best Practices.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lovie Awards |url=http://winners.lovieawards.eu/ |access-date=3 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117054216/http://winners.lovieawards.eu/ |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Retail and hospitality === [[File:Monocle store at HKG January 2026.jpg|thumb|The Monocle store at Hong Kong International Airport in 2026]] ==== Retail ==== Monocle opened its first retail store in London in November 2008, later expanding to cities including Hong Kong, Toronto, Tokyo, Singapore, New York, Culver City, and Meran.<ref name="Suqi"/> The stores sell Monocle-branded items and collaborative products, and the company also operates seasonal pop-up locations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bishop |first=Jordan |title=The Five Best Menswear Shops in Hong Kong |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bishopjordan/2017/01/22/best-mens-shops-hong-kong/ |website=Forbes |language=en |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Monocle Shop |url=https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/shopping/the-monocle-shop |website=Time Out Tokyo |language=en |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
==== Café ==== In April 2013, Monocle opened a café on Chiltern Street in Marylebone, London. Additional cafés were later opened in Tokyo and in the Seefeld district of Zurich, sometimes integrated with retail spaces.<ref>{{cite web |title=EDO Project Portfolio 2016 |url=http://www.edoconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/EDO-Project-Portfolio-2016.pdf |website=EDO Construction |date=February 2013 |access-date=16 May 2025 |format=PDF}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Iten |first=Jocelyne |title="Monocle"-Verleger eröffnet erstes Café in Zürich: Wie "Monocle"-Verleger Tyler Brûlé Zürich auffrischen will |url=https://bellevue.nzz.ch/design-wohnen/monocle-eroeffnet-sein-erstes-cafe-in-zuerich-wie-monocle-verleger-tyler-brule-zuerich-auffrischen-will-ld.1386551 |website=NZZ |date=18 May 2018 |access-date=16 July 2022 |language=de}}</ref>
In 2015, the company launched Kioskafé, a newsstand and coffee bar near London Paddington station, modelled on European kiosks. It stocked a range of print publications but closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Steven |first=Rachael |title=The Kioskafé: a new magazine shop and coffee bar from Monocle |url=https://www.creativereview.co.uk/the-kioskafe-a-new-magazine-shop-and-coffee-bar-from-monocle/ |website=Creative Review |date=5 October 2015 |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
== Projects == === Monocle surveys === {{see|Most livable cities}}
Monocle publishes an annual Quality of Life issue that ranks 25 cities worldwide based on perceived liveability metrics.<ref>{{cite news |title=Are these the world's best cities? |url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-04-07/world/most.livable.cities_1_livability-health-care-cities?_s=PM:WORLD |publisher=CNN |date=7 April 2010 |access-date=6 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129093242/http://articles.cnn.com/2010-04-07/world/most.livable.cities_1_livability-health-care-cities?_s=PM:WORLD |archive-date=29 January 2011}}</ref> In 2016, Tokyo topped the ranking.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hongo |first=Jun |title=Tokyo Tops Monocle's Most Livable City Ranking |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2015/06/11/tokyo-tops-monocles-most-livable-city-ranking/ |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=11 June 2015}}</ref>
Since 2010, the magazine has also compiled an annual Soft Power survey, assessing countries by their global influence through culture, diplomacy, and trade. In 2016, the United States led the ranking.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soft Power Survey 2016 |url=https://monocle.com/magazine/issues/99/power-play/ |access-date=2 March 2017}}</ref>
=== Conferences === In 2015, Monocle introduced the Quality of Life Conference, first held in Lisbon and later in Vienna in 2016. The event brings together speakers from fields including design, urbanism, and culture. The host city varies from year to year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Monocle's 2016 Conference in Vienna to Debate "Quality of Life" and Urban Livability |url=https://www.archdaily.com/785123/the-monocle-quality-of-life-conference-2016-vienna-austria |website=ArchDaily |date=8 April 2016 |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
== Reception == === Accolades === In 2011, ''Monocle'' was named one of the top ten magazines of the year by ''AdAge'' as part of its "A List". Editor Tyler Brûlé received the title of Editor of the Year in the same feature.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ives |first=Nat |title=Magazine A-List: Vogue Is Ad Age's 2011 Magazine of the Year |url=http://adage.com/article/media/magazine-a-list-vogue-ad-age-s-2011-magazine-year/230217/ |work=Advertising Age |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dumenco |first=Simon |title=Ad Age Magazine A-List: Tyler Brule Is Editor of the Year |url=http://adage.com/article/media/ad-age-magazine-a-list-tyler-brule-editor-year/230271/ |work=Advertising Age |date=10 October 2011 |access-date=6 October 2012}}</ref> In 2015, the magazine received a D&AD Wood Pencil award for its annual publication, ''The Forecast''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Forecast – D&AD Awards 2015 Pencil Winner |url=https://www.dandad.org/awards/professional/2015/magazine-newspaper-design/24169/the-forecast/ |website=D&AD |access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>
=== Criticisms === In 2018, former intern Amalia Illgner published an article in ''The Guardian'' describing her experience at Monocle's London office, where she reported being paid £30 per day.<ref>{{cite web |last=Illgner |first=Amalia |title=Why I'm suing over my dream internship |url=http://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/27/why-im-suing-over-my-dream-internship |website=The Guardian |date=27 March 2018 |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327072622/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/27/why-im-suing-over-my-dream-internship |archive-date=27 March 2018}}</ref> The matter was resolved following an employment tribunal, which resulted in Monocle admitting liability and reaching a settlement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Monocle Case |url=https://goodlawproject.org/case/monocle-case/ |website=Good Law Project |access-date=13 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712082645/https://goodlawproject.org/case/monocle-case/ |archive-date=12 July 2020}}</ref>
== See also == * Luxury magazine * ''Departures'' * ''Worth'' * ''Robb Report'' * High net worth individual
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Monocle (magazine)}} * {{Official website|http://www.monocle.com/}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Monocle (Media Company)}} Category:Lifestyle magazines published in the United Kingdom Category:Design magazines Category:Cultural magazines published in the United Kingdom Category:Magazines established in 2007 Category:News magazines published in the United Kingdom Category:Mass media companies of the United Kingdom Category:Magazines published in London Category:British podcasting companies