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01 Aug 2026
27m

Monocle’s ‘Med, Mountains & More’, the puzzling ‘La Settimana Enigmistica’ and China’s booming magazine scene

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The Stack

Monocle’s *Med, Mountains & More* newspaper expands the traditional summer publication format by incorporating a glossy supplement, catering to readers across diverse European landscapes from sea level to the Alps. This shift reflects broader trends in print media, where tactile, high-quality design remains a key differentiator. Meanwhile, the Italian puzzle magazine *La Settimana Enigmistica* demonstrates the enduring power of analog formats; its success relies on a "family fixture" status and rigorous fact-checking that digital alternatives fail to replicate. In China, the fashion magazine sector is experiencing a boom, fueled by Gen Z spending and a unique aesthetic movement that favors vibrant, locally-inspired photography. These publications, locally owned and distinct from Western counterparts, leverage creative visual storytelling to navigate a market where political provocation is avoided in favor of artistic innovation.

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