Story

september 7, 2015

Text FREDRIK AUSTAD & MAREN SERINE ANDERSEN
Photography FREDRIK AUSTAD at YME

As you flip through the 144 pages inside the pink cover, you will soon realize that the book that you are about to read is probably heavier than your purse. The title is “The Impossible Collection of Fashion” and features the leading iconic dresses of the twentieth century. You can literally feel the considerable amount of work put into the making of this collector’s item as every picture is carefully glued to each page by hand. Valerie Steel, the legendary director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, has curated the book that showcases dreamy creations signed by designers like Issey Miyake and the house of Valentino.

Known as the Hermès of publishers, Assouline has been offering an impressive collection of books since 1994 and is now to be found in every corner of the world. Founded by Prosper & Martine Assouline, the publishing house has a wide range of categories of books stretching from fashion, photography and design to art, architecture and travel. You might have heard about some of the impressive luxury pieces already. One of the finest works is the classic Goyard book trunk, another lovely piece is the Chanel book set wrapped in a quilted leather slipcase.

There is an alternative to the collector’s editions that actually fits into your everyday bag, and that is even a little gentler to your wallet. Our favorites are the travel and lifestyle books that will take you out of your foamy bath tub and imagine the most fascinating, gorgeous and exciting places of the world. From the streets of Harlem to the French Riviera, this collection has a book pleasing almost whichever reader getting a hold of one. Go skiing in Aspen or take a romantic boat trip through the Canal Grande in Venice, you will certainly not regret it.