The Monocle Weekly No.10

I have become addicted to The Monocle Weekly editions in the past month. Every Sunday, Tyler Brule, Robert Bound and the gang bring on a couple interesting people and talk about what's going on in the world. The show runs about 35-45 minutes long and touches on topics such as Tokyo's mission for the 2012 Olympic games, the development of cultures from Korea to Africa, and the state of retail for independents and large companies. This edition Olivier Spencer was a guest as they spoke about how well established and important the online retail scene is in the UK. It's interesting to hear the differences between North America and the UK in these aspects and to hear a designers take on it is kind of fresh. There is so much going on in the world these days, often too much to read and cover yourself, so I find the Monocle Weekly gives a nice little insight into some of the positives around the globe. Of course having a little sense of humor and nice taste in music doesn't hurt either. The editions are fresh, quick moving and really easy to digest, definitely a recommended at-work listen.

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Monocle 2nd Anniversary Fashion Spread

Monocle's fashion spreads are probably my favorite of any publication. I tend to look at them about 10-15 times each issue and try to figure out why I like them so, how they are shot so well? If it's the great designers, classic models, or great printing of the magazine? I found it's probably better to just enjoy, and not think about it too much. This March's issue is also a big one, or two - as it's Monocle's 2 year anniversary issue. It's pretty amazing what the publication has accomplished in only two years. Print, audio, video, retail and products - all of the highest caliber and seemingly appreciated by a few folks out there. Besides loving the fashion spreads like this one, I have been really enjoying the Monocle Weekly pod-casts on the website. They are easier to digest than reading about some of the topics, and with interesting perspectives and a nice sense of humour, I am starting to actually wish there were daily episodes. Anyways, the color palette of the spread is perfect. The navy, natural tones look great and are pieced together really nicely. Brands include; Visvim, North Face Purple Label, Needles, and Woolrich Woolen Mills. I really appreciate how wearable these looks are, and while I may not be able to afford many of the items, the general atmosphere of the spread is whats inspiring. Thanks to Selectism for the images.

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Winkreative

Most of you are quite familiar with Monocle and it's Editor in Cheif, Tyler Brule. But he actually does a lot more than the magazine and it's subsidary actives like product design, pod-casts and conferences. He also owns a design/art direction/branding agency by the name of Winkreative. The studio has done work for a couple air lines, stationary brands, Tretorn footwear, BMW and several other pretty nice clients. Their work is extremely classic looking with a very Monocle feel. I find the design to be right up the alley of things I like to look at. I am more a fan of Monocle for their intricate design aspects, layouts and photography spreads than the majority of the content, and those characteristics often translate into the agency's work. Tyler Brule's business model is definitely something to look up to. He seems to have had a pretty inspiring vision of what he could do and actually make some money along the way, something that isn't easily accomplished. Some of my favorite work is the custom publishing for Porter, SWISS and the Centurion Compact.

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