By Manish Mishra
Peter Marino: The Architecture of Chanel
At the crossroads of fashion and architecture stand Peter Marino’s seminal works. For the last 25 years, the architect has helped create visually arresting structures for the heritage French label in destinations from New York to Nanjing, along the way translating elevated luxury retail into fine art. This book of over 300 images includes original sketches, architectural plans, project descriptions and more to help transport readers to the 16 global Chanel outposts for which Marino designed both the exteriors and interiors.
The Men’s Fashion Book
Dozens of contributors—from designers and photographers to tailors, editors, models, stylists and more—came together to help craft the first truly comprehensive look at men’s fashion from the last 200 years. The A-Z guide spotlights genres and styles and everything from the timelessness of suiting to the popularity of streetwear. It also features influencers like the Jamaican “rude boys” and tailor Manuel Cuevas, the man responsible for Johnny Cash’s all-black look. Moreover, it’s brimming with imagery sourced from runway shows, magazine shoots, film stills, vintage ads and more.
Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings
Compiling some of the significant works of the legendary Frida Kahlo, this large-format book celebrates the epoch-defining Mexican artist. The collection dwells upon Kahlo’s life and career through drawings, letters, photos, diary pages and images of her paintings—including pieces in private collections that have rarely been seen by the general public, and reproductions of works that have been lost or unseen for over eight decades. It’s a phenomenal study of Kahlo’s work for her fans.
RIMOWA: An Archive, Since 1898
A synonym for luxury travel with its costly but virtually indestructible luggage, RIMOWA’s book takes a look back at the brand’s travel history from 1898 Germany to the present times.
Helmut Newton: SUMO, 20th Anniversary Edition
First published in 1999, Helmut Newton’s SUMO was the first of TASCHEN’s titanic limited editions, towering above anything previously attempted. Twenty years later, this collectible celebrated the legacy of this publishing venture in an XL edition, the result of a project conceived by acclaimed lensman Helmut Newton and revised by his wife June. Comprising 394 images and a booklet that takes us through the making of the SUMO, it’s a fascinating tribute to the iconic photographer.
Polo Heritage
It’s not for nothing that they call polo–the sport of kings. The world’s oldest team sport was born of the training cavalry units of Asia and has spanned continents and cultures. The book also features a foreword by the iconic player Nacho Figueras. This collectible ushers the readers to embark on an exciting voyage from Mongolia to Mexico, and Barbados to India, for a look at some of the most illustrious tournaments, prominent polo families and notable grounds on grass, sand and snow.
Formula 1: The Impossible Collection
It comes encased in a bright red case crafted in a luxury metal in order to keep the pages protected. As you flip the pages, you get to savour F1 journalist Brad Spurgeon’s take on the history of the racing cars and the people who made the sport what it is.
Annie Leibovitz: SUMO XL
The sought-after Annie Leibovitz SUMO is now up for grabs in an unlimited XL edition. Underlining more than 40 years of work, including photojournalism made for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s and conceptual portraits for Vanity Fair and Vogue, Leibovitz handpicked iconic images and also photographs that have rarely, if ever, been seen before. A must-buy for the lovers of fashion photography!
Bruce Weber: The Golden Retriever Photographic Society
Over his pathbreaking career, lensman and filmmaker Bruce Weber has shot everything from major fashion campaigns and portraits of countless A-listers to theatrical American landscapes. For nearly half a century, he’s been accompanied on his journeys by his beloved Golden Retrievers, who’ve often appeared in his snapshots. In this engaging and personal book (which features a foreword by anthropologist Jane Goodall), Weber trains focus on man’s best friend, celebrating both his beloved breed and the ways in which one’s pets can infuse joy and creativity.
Yale University Press Chanel Catwalk: The Complete Collections
If you’re a Chanel junkie then this is your salvation. In addition to the iconic Chanel designs in the brand’s history, the book features runway collections from other labels, including Dior, Prada, and YSL. A must-buy for any aspiring fashion designer or enthusiast.
The Tom Ford Coffee Table Book
This impossibly chic collectible is a riveting voyage through the tremendous influence of the celebrated designer on the fashion world. Lucidly chronically Tom’s metamorphosis of Gucci, transforming it into an instantly desirable ‘it’ brand, this book showcases Ford’s gamechanging, unprecedented designs across ready to wear and architecture, featuring over 200 visually breathtaking photographs. All in all, an haute homage to his epochal career when he single-handedly infused style with sensuality, luxury with timelessness.
James Bond Destinations by Daniel Pembrey
One can call it an entertaining voyage into the glamorous and devil-may-care world of James Bond. This fascinating travel book takes one around the world spotlighting the surreal and scenic images featured in the Bonds franchise over the years, from London, Jamaica, Rio, Rome and beyond.
Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion by Mitchell S. Jackson
Written by Esquire contributing editor Mitchell S. Jackson, this book finds itself at the melting point of basketball, culture, and activism. With each chapter dedicated to a different era of basketball history, from the flashy fashion of the Civil Rights movement to the oversized suits of the Michael Jordan era–Fly enlightens the readers how what players wear tells a story about power, politics and self-expression. Besides the gorgeous imagery, the book also makes for a compelling cultural study.
Portrait of a City
Published by Taschen Paris, this book on Paris beautifully captures the city’s vibrant landscape and also the essence quite well. Browse through the pages and get lost in the charming circles of the tony arrondissements.
Cartier: The Impossible Collection by Hervé Dewintre
Trust Cartier to document a book that’s just as breathtakingly stunning as its exceptionally handcrafted high jewellery pieces. This silk-covered book features brilliant details of Cartier’s best jewels, watches, and inspiration from over the years.
Rolex: The Impossible Collection by Fabienne Reybaud
A must-read for all Rolex collectors, browsing through this coffee table book is almost like owning a timepiece from the brand! Place it in your study or library and see the luxe energy and mood shift drastically, on its own.
Ice Cold: a Hip-Hop Jewelry History by Vikki Tobak
Playful and irreverent, this coffee table book makes for a fun study of the hip-hop world’s taste in jewellery and how the music, hip-hop stars and the baubles complement each other. All in all, a photographed history of both hip-hop and jewellery and the ever-evolving relationship between the two.
Bill Cunningham: On the Street
World-famous street style photographer Bill Cunningham’s street photos featuring some of fashion’s most iconic figures have baffled and intrigued readers all over for decades. And this vibrant book documents some of his significant works spanning over 50 years with the cover featuring the ace lensman in his signature blue jacket as he holds a camera in hand.
Plaza Athénée by Jean Imbert
Hôtel Plaza Athénée was fashionable even before Sex And The City’s Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) checked in. It’s rumoured that fashion editor Anna Wintour stays here during Paris Fashion Week. For all the Paris dreamers and people who admire classic hotel designs, this beautiful book on Hotel Plaza Athénée is a piece of heaven.
TASCHEN Andy Warhol Polaroids 1958-1987
Andy Warhol’s body of work never fails to inspire and enchant artists and designers even to this day. Whether it’s a fashion show or an art gallery opening, one can easily spot an homage to one of his works. This book takes an incredible look into Warhol’s photographs. Fascinating to know more about the legend who shared his creative universe with the likes of Kennedys, Diana Ross, Jack Nicholson, Basquiat, and many more.
Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek
Looking for decor ideas and the budget isn’t a constraint? Your search for interior design inspo ends here. Interior designer Brigette Romanek shows how brilliant design can be timeless and utilitarian.
Moschino
Jeremy Scott’s vibrant and playful designs at Moschino definitely merited a book. Read all about the designer’s inspiration and the stories behind some of the label’s most eye-catching ensembles as you’ve been drooling over his more recent works.
Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh continues to live on in the hearts of countless out there after his unfortunate passing in 2021. Whether it was Off-White or Louis Vuitton menswear, Virgil reconciled the high with the low, luxury with the street, and the sublime with the ridiculous. This silk hardcover is a celebration of Abloh’s singular creativity and visionary spirit.
Lannoo Publishers Icons by Oscar
Photographer Oscar Abolafia has frozen frames of the most prolific celebrities of all time–from Elvis, and Audrey Hepburn to Grace Jones.
The Rihanna Book
Published under the aegis of Phaidon, this gorgeous coffee table book has been crafted by the queen herself. Let Badgalriri bless your living space. This book is massive, and the photos in it are absolutely stunning.
Born to Party, Forced to Work: 21st Century Hospitality
From cover to cover, it’s replete with interesting hosting ideas and epic photographs. Scouting for some hosting inspo? This is your chicest source.