Winter can be a time where literary inspiration is often lacking, but when we find ourselves ready to look for it again, leafing through a nearby coffee table book is always the next best muse. From the latest in Assouline’s travel series to books that impart the wisdom of designers who have shaped the world, these are the books you should add to your collection this winter.
Bangkok Spirit
by Assouline
A city of electric chaos and boundless creativity, Bangkok pulses with energy and an irresistible intensity. From bustling street food vendors to intricate Buddhist temples, it’s a place of contrasts — where spirituality meets non-stop movement, and tradition collides with modernity. From cutting-edge fashion to avant-garde dining, this dynamic portrait, guided by Simon Liberati, captures the city’s relentless vibrancy, cultural dynamism, and ever-evolving creative spirit.
All-American Ads of the 2000s
by Taschen
Advertising in the 2000s reflected a world in flux — tech boomed, social media emerged, and brands embraced digital connectivity. iPods, reality TV, and online shopping reshaped culture, while wellness and personalisation gained traction. Spanning food, fashion, and entertainment, this book showcases a decade where ads didn’t just sell products — they captured a society in a period of radical change.
Torrey — Private Spaces
by Rizzoli
The New York-based design firm Torrey debuts its first monograph, celebrating Andrew Torrey’s transformative modernist interiors. Showcasing 23 projects across Manhattan, Miami, London, and beyond, this volume captures Torrey’s signature blend of clean-lined modernity, opulent finishes, and historical reverence. Featuring stunning photography, it’s an ode to contemporary glamour, effortless charm, and visionary design.
Valentino: A Grand Italian Epic
by Taschen
Step into the world of Valentino, where luxury and elegance reign supreme. This stunning volume chronicles the legendary couturier’s career through archival treasures — exquisite sketches, editorial spreads, iconic advertisements, and candid portraits. Offering a rare glimpse into Valentino’s creative brilliance, lifestyle, and legacy, this is a visual celebration of fashion’s ultimate maestro.
Design: The Leading Hotels of the World
by Monacelli
Discover the world’s most exclusive independent luxury hotels through this captivating visual journey. Showcasing over 70 legendary properties — from Norman Foster’s sinuous courtyard structure in Singapore to Jacques Garcia’s indulgent interiors in Paris — this exquisite volume celebrates unparalleled design and cultural richness. Featuring in-depth stories, expert insights, and contributions from iconic tastemakers, this is a curated tribute to the art of accommodation.
Sybil and David Yurman: Artists and Jewellers
by Phaidon
The visionaries behind the world-renowned jewellery brand David Yurman reveal their creative journey and shared personal history in this luxurious monograph, celebrating over 50 years of iconic design. Featuring never-before-seen sketches, artwork, and campaign imagery, this volume traces the brand’s rise from New York’s art scene to global acclaim — highlighting the duo’s most celebrated designs and their enduring artistic legacy.
Hokusai
by Taschen
Explore the captivating world of Hokusai, Japan’s pre-eminent artist, in this illuminating volume. From ethereal ghosts to the sweeping landscapes of Mount Fuji and the storied Tōkaidō road, his woodblock prints, paintings, and illustrations reveal extraordinary versatility. Featuring newly photographed artworks from over 100 institutions, this tome presents the most comprehensive portrait of Hokusai’s unparalleled artistic legacy to date.
