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Australia is a country that knows how to shop and its canny citizens want more than the colourless clicks of an online spree. Melbourne’s Gertrude Street, once overlooked, is now one of the city’s most vibrant high streets and home to a mix of independent shops. Monocle Films meets six retailers who anchor the street.

This year’s nations special appreciates all things Australia. We get the shipping forecast on the navy’s mighty new flagship, introduce you to the innovative retailers who are streets ahead and reveal which radio DJs are in demand down under. With news on the top diplomats, chefs and designers – as well as where to live, work and play – this is a big magazine for a big nation. Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/magazine/other/issue-91/).

Australia’s enterprising business community is known for spotting the best opportunities abroad – but Germany’s largest and most dynamic state, Bavaria, isn’t usually their first port of call. Invest in Bavaria set out to change this notion with Bytevaria, a lively panel discussion hosted by Monocle in Sydney. Monocle Films reports.

Pull up a pew to discover classic Japanese bars with soothing lighting, knowledgeable and immaculately turned-out bar staff and loyal clientele.

Just like craft breweries, small local distilleries are reinventing drinks that have fallen out of fashion. Monocle films visits three entrepreneurs who have uncorked the potential of the old spirit in London, Hamburg and the Finnish countryside.

Like many sovereign states, the Holy See pursues an active foreign policy. We visit the Vatican's foreign ministry, where world peace is always on the agenda.

To find out more about the Vatican’s foreign ministry, read our [article](http://monocle.com/magazine/issues/90/vatican-foreign-policy-keep-the-faith/).

Our intimate gathering returns in 2016 and this time it will take place in Vienna. Monocle invites you to a weekend of great debate, good conversation and peerless hospitality – and some fun nights too. It’s a weekend where contacts can be made, ideas nurtured and horizons expanded. Join our editors, correspondents and key thinkers in discussing topics ranging from architecture to independent retail, transport to healthy living.

[Next stop: Madrid. Buy your ticket for the 2019 edition of the conference](https://conference.monocle.com/).

When it comes to menswear the rule is to follow the lead of the Italians. At Milan fashion week Monocle Films visits the showrooms and presentations of leading industry players to see what men will be wearing next autumn.

Rio de Janeiro is one of few global cities that strikes a balance between cosmopolitan hub and natural wonder. As well as its openness and unique mix of people, the city has a wide range of galleries, restaurants and world-famous beaches. Our new travel guide will help you discover every pocket of the city. Published by Gestalten, The Monocle Travel Guide to Rio de Janeiro is available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/books-and-music/travel-guides/the-monocle-travel-guide-rio-de-janeiro/).

We hope the February issue will make a good first impression – because it’s all about the art of hospitality. As part of our service you can discover the results of our reader survey, get a lesson from the schools moulding the next generation of maître d’s and visit the design firms creating welcoming interiors. Plus all the usual reports and pictures from around the world. Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/magazine/other/issue-90/).