well read - Assouline boutique Parisian publisher
Written by Karen Martin
Assouline, the boutique Parisian publisher, has gained iconic status for its stylish publications. With stores now in the Qatar Airways destination cities of New York, Istanbul, and London, we profile their new and limited releases.
Assouline
Assouline publishing is a luxury brand known for its gorgeous collectable books and is responsible for some of the most covetable tomes to ever grace a coffee table.
With the belief that we are visual beings before we are verbal ones, the publishing house specialises in beautifully illustrated luxury books covering art, fashion, and lifestyle with collaborations from some of the world’s foremost artists, writers, photographers, architects, fashion and interior designers, and culinary masters.
The boutique on rue Bonaparte in Paris is a haven for readers who want to relax in a chic library environment; visitors to the inviting boutique in Istanbul could lose hours nestled on the sofa flicking through the literary delights on offer; visitors to the New York boutique can people-watch from the mezzanine level in the Plaza Hotel lobby on 5th Avenue; and at the Assouline Literary Lounge at Liberty, London, book-lovers can soak up the atmosphere with a cup of coffee, surrounded by new and vintage editions of the books, and a range of hand-selected antiques and gifts.
www.assouline.com
Book reviews
Coca-Cola, Special Edition
A special, limited edition, this illustrated book celebrates the world’s most iconic beverage with the brand’s photographs, advertisements, and designs as well as memories from film, social history, and pop culture. First sipped at an Atlanta, Georgia soda fountain as a hot weather pick-me-up, Coke has triumphed over the last 125 years by becoming a household name, and recognisable brand, throughout the world. This hardback limited edition with colour plates in a linen clamshell box comes with a complimentary Assouline canvas tote bag.
De Beers
De Beers Jewellery celebrates the beauty of diamonds with this stunning book presented in a luxury slipcase. From one-of-a-kind engagement rings to necklaces inspired by the morning dew, De Beers has been synonymous with both quality and creativity. Featuring vibrant images and a fascinating history of diamonds – from their natural creation nearly 4 billion years ago to the Greek and Egyptian myths surrounding their sparkling existence – this book is a feast for the eyes, demonstrating the fire, life, and brilliance of De Beers Jewellery.
Bals: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century
By Nicholas Foulkes
From the Romanov dynasty through les années folles of Art Deco Paris to the jet-set 70s, Bals explores the nine most exceptional private costume parties of the 20th century in this beautiful hardcover special edition in a slipcase. In addition to social commentary both by and about characters such as Truman Capote, Paul Poiret, and Cecil Beaton who immortalised these extraordinary balls, Jacqueline de Ribes, Hélène David-Weill, and Marisa Berenson share their vivid memories in first-person narrative.
Gaia, Special Edition
By Guy Laliberté
Gaia is the tour de force of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. Captivated by the beauty of the surface of the Earth, Laliberté’s evocative photos show the colours and textures visible only 350km away during his 11-day trip orbiting the earth as a private space explorer, with unique views of nearly 40 countries. This hand-bound limited edition with colour plates is presented in a linen clamshell box. Proceeds will go to Laliberté’s One Drop Foundation, a non-profit organisation created to fight poverty worldwide.
Exclusive
Assouline Leather Trunk
By Goyard
This custom-made trunk was created in collaboration with the iconic French design house Goyard, revered for its high-quality luggage, exclusively for Assouline. A cult piece for lovers of style, each coveted leather trunk houses 100 of Assouline’s signature Memoire photo-biographies on art, design, architecture, and fashion, including books on Lanvin, Chanel, Sergio Rossi, Lancome, YSL, Le Corbusier, and Bauhaus amongst many others. Only 100 numbered trunks have been made, making it an exclusive piece and the ultimate in chic reading.
Paris, France
Distance: 4,980 km
Flight Time: 7 hours, 5 minutes
Frequency: 15 flights a week
