Some of the most important style books seen in years will grace your shelves and coffee tables this spring and summer. Make them the most thought-provoking possible, according to our ardent bibliophile Lance Avery Morgan, who recommends his favorites.
COLLECTING FASHION
By Alexandra Carl
Here’s an indispensable survey of the most important archival collections assembled by fashion’s key players. For the fashion-obsessed, one’s archive is surely a testament to the act of preservation and, of course, a sophisticated symbol of taste. Archives take time to build, with wardrobes or storage units packed to the brim, and the results end up being remarkable representations of fashion history.
$75. At RizzoliUSA.com.
JUERGEN TELLER: FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY 1999-2016
By Juergen Teller
German photographer Juergen Teller has long collaborated with Dennis Freedman, creative director for W magazine, and the former luxury department store, Barneys New York. Between 1999 and 2016, the pair created a sweep of iconic series, all captured in Teller’s trademark realistic style. It’s a fittingly lo-fi tribute to the photographer’s pared-down vision for fashion imagery, as championed by Freedman.
$55. At RizzoliUSA.com.
CITY OF DREAMS: LOS ANGELES INTERIORS
By Annie Kelly and Tim Street-Porter
This stunning collection of inspiring homes begins with a look back, which includes examples of iconic houses inspired by Hollywood film fantasies. The heart of the book features today’s forward-looking homes, divided into two sections: Living with Art and Design and Los Angeles Modern.
$65. At RizzoliUSA.com.
COLLABORATION: A HISTORY OF POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
By Ariella Aisha Azoulay, Wendy Ewald, Susan Meiselas, Leigh Raiford and Laura Wexler
A radical new history of photography from a team of esteemed writers and thinkers that focuses on the complex collaborations between photographer and subject. Working with an accumulation of more than 600 photographs, each entry breaks apart photography and brings tangible traces of collaboration to light.
$85. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
KENTUCKY DERBY FASHION
By Lili Kobielski
Few styles are more iconic than the finery donned by the crowds at Churchill Downs. Enjoy this close-up look at America’s most inimitable sports fashion event. It’s chock full of twenty horses, 120 seconds, 150 years…and timeless fashion. From the hats in the grandstands, to the silks on the track, fashion is as much a part of the Kentucky Derby as the thoroughbreds, the jockeys, and of course, the mint juleps.
$50. At RizzoliUSA.com.
BEACHSIDE MODERN
By Lauren Li
Modern beachside style is more than shells and surfboards as seen in this new tome. Whether the inspiration comes from nautical themes, natural elements, winter blues, or the charm of the Mediterranean, the priority is always comfort and tranquility. It doesn’t matter if you don’t live near the beach—the spirit can be captured anywhere…like here.
$35. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
GALERIE HALF: SELECTED WORKS
By Cameron Smith
Considered to be one of the world’s best antique and vintage furniture stores, Galerie Half offers a stylish blend of twentieth-century design, European antiques, and eclectic rarities. A favorite purveyor to the Los Angeles design community, the pieces they offer are imbued with a sense of timeless imperfection, as seen in this book.
$95. At RizzoliUSA.com.
GEORGE HOYNINGEN-HUENE
By George Hoyningen-Huene Estate Archives
This in-depth and richly illustrated book combines elegant design and production values. It’s the first publication in almost forty years on the work of the photographer. His images defined an era as a captivating photographic odyssey spanning fashion, Hollywood, and travel.
$100. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
THE NEW FRENCH LOOK
By Lauren Li
We all know that trends come and go, yet French interiors, old or new, never go out of style. As seen in this book, the new French look is spirited and fresh, layered but never fussy, effortless yet always chic. Referencing history, it offers a respectful nod to the past without ever looking stale and stuffy.
$35. At Thames&HudsonUSA.com.
THOMAS BASTIDE: DESIGN
By Thomas Bastide
This offers a look inside the design dynamo’s studio to discover the techniques, concepts, and inspirations that lie behind his glass creations. Having collaborated with prestigious French and international companies, including Baccarat, Hennessy, and Christofle, this volume pays tribute to the unique techniques that he has contributed.
$85. At RizzoliUSA.com.
