As the weather heats up, and the beach beckons, why not take a stylish tome or two beyond the usual summer read? Our bibliophile Lance Avery Morgan recommends the best books to while away the lazy, sunny days ahead.
the MUSSO & FRANK GRILL
by Michael Callahan
Celebrating its 100th-anniversary milestone, the Hollywood restaurant destination of choice for a full century is chronicled. It boasts its countless luminaries from the world of film, television, music, and literature running the gamut from the iconic frequent guest, Charlie Chaplin to movie shoots such as Quentin Tarantino’s recent film, Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood. $40. At Musso-Frank-Grill.MyShopify.com.
SUZIE ZUZEK FOR LILLY PULITZER
By Suzie Zuzek
Fashion mavens and design aficionados are drawn to the bright, colorful, and playful patterns that are instantly recognizable as Lilly Pulitzer. But perhaps the name Suzie Zuzek is not as recognizable as it should be. The majority of Pulitzer’s fabric designs from 1962 through 1985 were based on artwork by the Key West-based artist synonymous with Slim Aarons, Jackie O, and the Palm Beach crowd. $50. At RizzoliUSA.com
YVES SAINT LAURENT
By Roxanne Lowit
Whether Saint Laurent was surrounded by beautiful models or peeking at the catwalk from the wings, Lowit distinctively captured the famed designer, along with his striking creations with her camera. Here, she creates a vibrant portrait of this towering fashion figure. $34.95. At ThamesAnd HudsonUSA.com
POOLS: LOUNGING, DIVING, FLOATING, DREAMING
By Lou Stoppard
This celebratory ode to the joy and enduring allure of the swimming pool is packed with gorgeous photography and beautiful prose organized by theme, from the glamour of the pool party, the meditative pleasure of being submerged in water, the pool in fashion and film, and the seductive allure of the swimming pool. $65. At RizzoliUSA.com
THE LAND GARDNERS CUT FLOWERS
By Bridget Elworthy and Henrietta Courtauld
This charming book provides vital information on everything you need to create your own cut-flower garden, from necessary tools and how to support health to what plants flourish in which seasons as well as advice on gathering, preparing, and arranging your blooms. In this gorgeous volume, the authors provide a plan for growing flowers in all four seasons. $60. At ThamesAndHudsonUSA.com
CHAUMET TIARAS
By Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni
Founded in 1780 in Paris, Chaumet became the most prestigious and sought-after jeweller in Europe. He designed tiaras that were social symbols and fashion accessories, popular throughout the centuries. The rarely viewed tiaras illustrated in this book are presented and examined in relation to the history and the role they played in fashion. $125. At ThamesAndHudsonUSA.com.
THE CHANEL SKETCHBOOKS
By Jean-Paul Goude and Patrick Mauriès
For the first time, Chanel and Jean-Paul Goude reveal the drawings, collages, and sketches that inspired Goude’s iconic advertising campaigns for Chanel’s world-famous fragrances, from Eégoiëste and Coco to Chanel No. 5. A must-have for Chanel lovers, this also allows creatives and advertising enthusiasts to discover the imagination and creative process at work behind these unforgettable images. $50. At ThamesAndHudson.com.
PHILANTHROPY MISUNDERSTOOD
By Bob Hopkins
While the word philanthropy isn’t new, many think being a philanthropist is only about money. In Bob Hopkins’ new book, he assures us it is not. He and 100 of his friends define, by way of their good deeds, that philanthropy is about the love of humanity. This 256-page coffee-table book is sure to entertain and inform. $45. At PhilanthropyMisunderstood.org.
RALPH ‘LAUREN’S POLO SHIRT
By Ralph Lauren and David Lauren
This 544-page tome recounts the history and evolution of this classic shirt as well as the very lifestyle that it embodies. Gorgeous images, along with fascinating stories by celebrities and non-celebrities alike, illustrate this must-read for the Polo lover. $36.95. At RizzoliUSA.com.
AT HOME IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE: DESIGNERS AND THEIR DOGS
By Susanna Salk and Stacey Bewkes
Canine devotion and high style go hand-in-hand, don’t they? There is always a place at home for our four-legged friends in every room. This book shows how top English designers live a stylish and comfortable life with their dogs. So, travel across the pond to see how pooches can be spoiled anywhere. $50. At RizzoliUSA.com.
TAKING TIME
By Donatien Grau
Designer Azzedine Alaïa was famous for always welcoming his friends in his home and atelier on Rue de Moussy. He would invite them all to engage in fascinating discussions about the accelerated pace of time, its significance to each person and how to fight the destructive acceleration of our lives. $35. At RizzoliUSA.com.
MAKING LIVING LOVELY
By Russell Whitehead and Jordan Cluroe
Focusing on how we best can use our spaces, this covers finding your style, cohabiting and design compromises, exploring your creativity, and rediscovering the fun in your interiors. Interior design is about much more than restyling rooms–it has the power to change your life. $34.95. At ThamesAndHudsonUSA
