I am an information junky; always on the lookout for news on style, design, architecture, clothing, art, politics, and global affairs. While this blog primarily focuses on the physical side of style – clothing, bags, shoes, ties, watches and pens – equally important is one’s intellectual style.

Being aware and literate about what’s going on in the world is just as important as what shirt you’re wearing. There are a lot of pretty faces out there with nothing worthwhile to say; do not be another one.

Can you talk about world affairs, the environment, or trends in design? Do you have an opinion on art or literature? If you are American, do you actually understand what’s going on in other parts of the world? Sure, you like clothing, but do you appreciate changes affecting the business side of Savile Row or the environmental impact of mass market fashion retailers? What do you know about global culture?

Though I am a big fan of design and style magazines like Men’s Vogue, Menswear, and Esquire, when it comes to getting the big picture of global culture and style, Monocle is simply outstanding. What is Monocle? Here’s what the publisher has to say:

With a keen focus, strong reporting, sharp wit and more classic approach to design, we’ve dubbed our venture Monocle….Focused on informing and entertaining an international audience of disillusioned readers, listeners and viewers, it is our intention to create a community of the most interested and interesting people in the world.

Each substantial issue is divided into sections covering affairs, business, culture, design, and edits. It’s packed with insights, reviews, trends, and products from across the globe. From an American perspective, the U.S. is treated as just another country, which helps provide a truly global feel to the magazine. There is also a companion website chock full of information, articles and videos.

A hefty annual subscription of $154.00, provides you with 10 issues and access to the extensive subscriber portion of the website. Regardless, it’s worth a daily stop to check out the International Herald Tribune headline feed.

FANTASTIC MAN

At the other end of the spectrum from Classic Style is Fantastic Man (FM), a trade publication out of Amsterdam.

Now, I’ll tell you up front that this is a very flamboyant magazine and it took some getting used to. But once I opened it up and started reading, my hesitation was set aside. FM bills itself as “A Gentleman’s Style Journal” and that it is. A broad mixture of art, clothing, style, interviews and photo shoots, it covers more of what I call “classic intellectual avant garde.” The format includes very minimal advertising, mostly black and white photos and untreated, almost industrial paper. Overall, the look is pleasingly functional.

In the Spring/Summer issue, you can find an interview with hotelier Andre Balazs (owner of, among others, Chateau Marmont in LA and The Mercer in NYC), a photo spread of Lanvin’s menswear designer showing off this season’s collection, and a remarkably artistic presentation of white dress shirts.

What really sets FM apart is the excellent writing; it is so detailed and thoughtfully presented that this bi-annual magazine could pass for a literally review that happens to focus on men’s fashion.

Hard to find, expensive and definitely worth the effort.