CELEBRATING THREE YEARS ON CHILTERN STREET

Three years ago, we opened our first store on Chiltern Street just as the world was beginning to find its feet again post-pandemic.

We knew that to create a store that sang true to us, we’d have to reconsider the traditional approach to retail, but with so much uncertainty ahead, the need to do things differently was even more prevalent.

Every part of the design was considered for impact, both from a visual and experiential standpoint, as well as an environmental one.

If we had to leave in 5 years or five months, we’d leave Chiltern Street with as little waste as possible.

We used bio, recycled and salvaged materials throughout, and paid attention to every detail, even fastening, fixtures and paints were put under scrutiny.

A year later, we won a Dezeen Award for sustainable store design. A very pleasant byproduct of our passion project, it felt good to get recognition for our effort, but the best part of all has always been, and will always be the people. We’ve got to know so many of you and your support is the reason we’re still here today.

From the start, we wanted the store to be more than just a retail space, and we’re proud to say it is.

With our purpose-built island table at the back, we’ve held intimate workshops, celebrations and launch parties that have allowed us to meet and nurture our community.

With our repairs workshop, we’ve extended the life of countless frames (MONC and otherwise).

And with our office just downstairs, each team member is present, day in and day out. Chances are you’ve met us all at least once.

None of this would have been possible without the cherished support of our customers and neighbours, so we wanted to take a look back on all the incredible initiatives and events we’ve had the pleasure of hosting in store over the years:

Caley Bros Mycelium Workshop

The two sisters hosted a series of intimate workshops over our central countertop space, creating fruiting oyster mushroom packs by cultivating mycelium.

FLWR spring window for Chelsea Flower Show

We had the pleasure of working with FLWR who transformed our window with the same British-grown flowers and foliage used at our CFS stand.

Furoshiki workshop

Gathered around our purpose built island table, expert Tomoko taught the ancient Japanese art or Furoshiki - the practice of wrapping precious gifts in reusable Tsutsumi cloth. A gift, wrapped in a gift.

Dezeen award

From more than 5400 entries from 90 countries, MONC was shortlisted for two awards for the Dezeen Awards and won the Retail Design Award 2022.

Team workshops

A multipurpose space, one of our most fundamental uses of our central island is for our team meetings and workshops. We meet weekly to keep one another in the loop, and bi-annually to reflect on our progress over the year and set goals for the future.

Anniversary parties

We’ve been humbled to have friends, customers and neighbours come through our doors and celebrate milestones with us. Looking forward to many more such evenings on Chiltern Street.

Monocle Launch Event

To celebrate our collaboration with Monocle, the redesign of our Chiltern frame, we held an intimate launch party across both of our neighbouring stores.

Botanical Boys Terrarium workshop

Most recently, we had the pleasure of inviting the Botanical Boys to Chiltern street, where they immersed us in the world of terrariums.