Easily, one of my favorite magazines has to be Monocle. It was begun in 2007 by Tyler Brûlé after he left the helm over at Wallpaper magazine that he started in 1996. I discovered it via this iso50 post a while back and decided to order single copies of a few design magazines. Monocle was one of them and I have since subscribed. Monocle, as it states on each cover, is “a briefing on global affairs, business, culture & design.” So there you go. It’s a refreshingly well-curated and beautifully designed collection of what’s happening around the world.

The page layouts are super simple, giving way for the content and supporting images. The creative director, Richard Spencer Powell has done a fantastic job with the design, and only uses two typefaces: Plantin and Helvetica. He also pulls from a pool of stellar illustrators who add a bit of whimsy and color throughout. I especially like the paper stock – instead of the typical glossy and ultra-thin paper that makes up TIME magazine or Dwell, the majority of Monocle (and it’s very relevant adverts) is filled with matte, book-style heavy-weight paper that is substantial to hold and to read.

With each issue come several supplements. They have begun including a city survey which showcase the best of a particular world hub: shopping, dining, site-seeing, accommodation. Also inside is a multi-page insert of current Monocle Shop merchandise.

As for the cost, it is a pretty penny. It ships from London and is about $12 an issue. One of my coworkers always taunts, “Is that your fancy magazine?”  ”Yes,” I reply boldly, “but how much have you spent on Starbucks this week?” And that usually ends the conversation. It is pricey but I have yet to be disappointed with the magazine’s content, style, and concern for quality. And while the it may target the fairly-wealthy-male-international-designer/businessman/diplomat market sector, I, as a soon-to-be meager graduate student have something to look forward to, while feeding my global interests and aspirations.

With your yearly subscription comes a sturdy canvas tote. Last year’s was a military green and this year, navy blue. Also, you have broad access to their online article archives. If anything, you should check out their website. They have a daily Monocolumn and the Monocle Weekly – a Sunday podcast featuring 2-3 in-depth interviews. Their Winter and Summer series feature upcoming musical artists.

Alright. I promise I have not been paid for this plug. I just truly think highly of it. Look for a Monocle near you next time you are abroad or if you see it state-side at a design shop or bookstore.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 20th, 2011 at 6:16 PM and is filed under graphics, travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.