Changes of materials and concepts used in modern furniture design are closely related to ancient Chinese furniture design. This book expounds the content that has to do with “Chinoiserie” in the history of furniture. “Chinoiserie” here refers to the form, function and design principle of traditional Chinese furniture. By sorting out the part of modern furniture design related to Chinoiserie, it is concluded that the Chinese furniture system is one of the two major systems in the development of the global furniture system, and the emergence and maturity of the Chinese furniture system was almost independent, and completely dominated by social functionalism.
This book systematically discusses the decorative feature, beauty in form and development of traditional Chinese furniture, and elaborates on the modern design theory contained in traditional Chinese furniture, its influence on Western design and the development of furniture in the world.
The deeply luminous, finely textured glazes of classic Chinese ceramics have long been fascinating to experts and collectors. At firing temperatures of 1300° C, the ceramic body and the glaze are fused together into a new materiality of great aesthetic and emotional power. Their extraordinary beauty is illustrated by way of the classically inspired works of the Royal Copenhagen stoneware studio, created between the 1930s and 1970s. For the first time, the range of the various glaze effects is approached from the perspective of intensive, decades-long personal interaction with these objects. Chemical formulas and technical terms have been deliberately avoided. The catalogue section has been divided into 13 parts, each dealing with one particular kind of glaze, preceded by a short introductory description. The main section is dedicated to the magical aspects of glazes. It goes into the causes of the optical and haptic effects, so too the significance of nature as a model. The decorative potential of technical deviations is also explored, as well as the formation of contrasts and, finally, the physical tension between the ceramic body and the glaze. Artists’ signatures and date codes are part of the addendum.
Step further into the world of Louis Vuitton, where legacy craftsmanship meets bold innovation. This extended edition delves deeper into the brand’s journey—from its origins in custom travel trunks to its status as a global symbol of style and sophistication.
Explore the evolution of the iconic monogram, the creative impact of designers like Marc Jacobs and Nicolas Ghesquière, and how Louis Vuitton has influenced fashion, art, and pop culture. With added chapters and rare visuals, this book uncovers the layers behind the label.
See how stars like Zendaya, Scarlett Johansson, and Selena Gomez have redefined red carpet glamor and street style with Louis Vuitton’s signature pieces.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to the brand, this expanded volume is a richly curated celebration of why Louis Vuitton remains at the pinnacle of luxury.
Also available is ISBN 9788794190596 The Essence of Louis Vuitton, Unfolded.
Enter the enchanting world of Dior, where elegance, innovation, and timeless glamor come to life. This expanded volume invites you on a deeper journey through the legendary house of Christian Dior, tracing its rise from postwar revolution to global fashion icon.
Discover the stories behind Dior’s most iconic moments—on red carpets and runways alike—and the stars who brought them to life, from Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret to Rihanna.
Follow the evolution of Dior’s design legacy, from the groundbreaking New Look to the modern visions of today’s creative directors. With rare imagery and new insights, this book offers an intimate look at the magic of Dior and its enduring impact on style and culture.
Also available is ISBN 9788794190572 The Essence of Dior, Unfolded.
Step into the captivating world of Chanel, where heritage, reinvention, and effortless chic intertwine in a story of timeless allure. This expanded volume guides you through the legendary house of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, exploring its journey from a trailblazing atelier to a global symbol of modern elegance.
Uncover the tales behind Chanel’s most iconic creations—from the little black dress and the classic tweed jacket to the legendary No. 5 fragrance—and the unforgettable women who made them iconic, from Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy to contemporary muses like Keira Knightley and Kristen Stewart.
Trace the evolution of Chanel’s creative vision, from Coco’s revolutionary designs that liberated women to the innovative interpretations of Karl Lagerfeld and today’s forward-thinking creative directors. With exclusive photographs and fresh perspectives, this book reveals the captivating world of Chanel and its lasting influence on fashion and culture.
Also available is ISBN 9788794190589 The Essence of Chanel.
Published in conjunction with the exhibition Histories of a Collection. Modern and Contemporary Art from the CAM, this catalog follows various stories relating to the creation of the CAM Collection CAM Collection (Centro de Arta Moderna Gulbenkian), from the first acquisitions by the Foundation in the 1950s to the present day, as well as offering an in-depth account of the opening of the CAM building in 1983.
The catalog contains seven previously unpublished essays, written by curators Ana Vasconcelos, Leonor Nazaré, Patrícia Rosas and Rita Fabiana, architect Rita Albergaria and independent curator, Antonia Gaeta, outlining some of the key moments in the Collection’s history.
These essays analyze the first acquisitions, made in the context of artist grants awarded by the Foundation and as a result of traveling exhibitions organized in Portugal and abroad, and the development of the section of British art, in close collaboration with the British Council.
The catalog also delves into the construction of the CAM building and the controversy that accompanied the entire process, as well as reflecting on the acquisitions made from the banker and collector Jorge de Brito, which contributed to greatly strengthening the collection in the months leading up to the opening.
The catalog also charts the contribution of the last three CAM directors, Jorge Molder, Isabel Carlos and Penelope Curtis, explaining their priorities in the selection of works and the acquisition policies each of them implemented.
It also reproduces almost all the works on display, organized according to the sections of the exhibition and highlighting seven key works, all acquired during the 1960s, by some of the most renowned Portuguese and British artists featured in the collection: Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, David Hockney, João Cutileiro, José de Almada Negreiros, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Paula Rego and Philip King.
1937 could be named ‘the summer of love‘ for Lee Miller, Roland Penrose, who had recently met for the first time & their friends, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, Picasso, Dora Maar, Man Ray, Ady Fidelin and more. This facsimile of Lee and Roland’s photograph albums shows their summer holiday together as portrayed in the 2024 feature film LEE and demonstrates the freedom and friendship of these artists as World War Two looms on the horizon.
Written by Antony Penrose, son of American feminist icon Lee Miller and British artist Roland Penrose this delightful narrative introduces the fascinating lives of Lee Miller; War Correspondent and Surrealist photographer and her husband Roland Penrose; Surrealist artist and co-founder of the ICA, whilst taking a tour of their extraordinary home in the Sussex countryside. Farleys’s exterior has no hint of visual excitements to be discovered. Bright walls & corridors filled with remarkable & eclectic art. The book gives a glimpse into amazing lives of Lee Miller & Roland Penrose. This special anniversary edition, 75 years at Farleys, has new photography and never seen before insights to the house.
In 1941, Roland Penrose became a game changer when The War Office published this Home Guard Manual. Penrose shows how to accomplish seemingly impossible visual deceptions: While Penrose, a keen naturalist, drew on influences in the natural world, his Surrealist passion for mimicry is apparent throughout the book. Patterns, textures, shading: all these artistic devices now took on serious military currency.
“My approach is simple. It is nothing other than what I am thinking at the time I make each piece of clothing…The result is something that other people decide.” – Rei Kawakibo, Interview Magazine, 2008
“Kawakubo’s will matches that of Coco Chanel and her influence goes perhaps even further; she is a designer who sees a bigger picture and has impacted the very shape of fashion, moving its foundations.” – Terry Newman
The Genius of Rei Kawakubo: The woman who founded Comme des Garçons celebrates a designer that is revered as the most avant-garde and experimental in the world. Having created a fashion label that is a global inspiration and one of the few independent brands still run by its founder, Kawakubo infuses her designs with the philosophies of Mu-Ma and Wabi-Sabi to create clothes that are truly special.
Beginning with Kawakubo’s early days when she began developing her brand in Japan, The Genius of Rei Kawakubo: The woman who founded Comme des Garçons goes on to look at her principles of anti-fashion and the art of imperfection, including seminal design details from some of her key collections. With chapters on Kawakubo’s collaborations with other designers, her shops, perfumes, and lots more, this book presents the brand and its founder in all its glorious detail.
Written by Terry Newman – the bestselling author of Marilyn Monroe Style – we learn just how canny a businesswoman and creative an artist Kawakubo is and how, through various avenues and alliances, she has created a vast Comme des Garçons empire.
The best of Playboy France: Le Mook. Glamorous, trendy, the magazine has a cult following, and stirred controversy in 2023 when it put a sitting French minister on the cover, creating a worldwide buzz. Artistic photographs of beautiful models, captured by the lenses of some of the world’s greatest photographers grace the pages, alongside texts written by some of the most important voices of our time, on subjects such as politics, business, culture, and the media.
Venice – an icon of romanticism. Sometimes considered too touristy, the Serenissima is a vibrant city teeming with hidden palaces, ultra-luxurious hotels, iconic monuments and historic sites, bars, terraces, exquisite food, carnivals, and artistic life. Part of the Best of… series, Best of Venice celebrates this city and its history and culture in glamorous color.
Best of the Watch is a panorama of the best global watch production from the last 30 years. Legendary brands are included, such as Rolex, Vacheron-Constantin, Patek-Philippe, Bréguet, Blancpain, A Lange & Söhne, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet, to name just a few.
Iconic and fascinating creations unveiled in a luxurious XL format to better illustrate the mysteries and inner workings of these legendary timepieces.
Eighty percent of Porsches produced over the past century are still running! The iconic brand that everyone fantasizes about is, however, an attainable dream. Vintage, current, or futuristic, the brand continually innovates. Christian Martin uses his unique artistic talent to reveal the best of the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s production. This book truly stands out in the impressive mass of books devoted to the legendary German manufacturer. Iconic models, rare models, special orders, limited-edition racing cars, concepts… After Life in Ferrari Red, Christian Martin’s new opus is set to dazzle the brand’s many fans.
An ode to the Kingdom of Brittany that reveals the treasures and mysteries of the Western-most point of France. Overlooking the ocean with breathtaking natural settings, this vibrant region is celebrated in Best of Brittany. The particulars of the Breton lifestyle – sports, traditions, monuments, festivals, arts & crafts, agriculture, and gastronomy – all are included here.
Texts in English, French and Breton.
Working as a vet in a large zoo is a dream job for many—but for Tim Bouts, it’s reality. As Chief Veterinary Officer, he has spent over 20 years caring for animals in world-renowned parks like London Zoo. Today, he works at the Sheikh of Qatar’s ‘Panda House.’ In this book, he shares remarkable stories from his diverse range of patients: a lion battling Covid, a hippopotamus with tuberculosis, a tigress with dental issues, and a gorilla suffering from chronic pain. Some of his anecdotes are heartwarming, like his first successful surgery, or welcoming baby pandas to Pairi Daiza in Belgium. Others are pulse-pounding, such as the failed anesthesia of an antelope, and the escape of two chimpanzees. And some are deeply moving, like the euthanasia of a herd of herpes-stricken elephants or the heartbreaking loss of a walrus mother and her calf. Through these stories, you’ll get a front-row seat to Tim’s daily work and a rare glimpse into his thoughts. He doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics like euthanasia, contraception in zoos, and the challenges of quarantining animals.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is the only patriarchal basilica of the four in Rome to have retained its paleo-Christian structures. The Basilica dates back to 425 AD and in this elegant and triumphal photographic masterpiece accomplished at the height of today’s technology, we can admire in detail the grandeur of all its artistic details: the mosaics of the nave; the ceremonial arch dating to the pontificate of Pope Sixtus III (432-440 AD); those of the apse made at the behest of Pope Nicholas V (1288-1292); the Cosmatesque floor; the coffered ceiling designed by Giuliano da San Gallo; the Nativity scene by Arnolfo di Cambio; the High Altar by Ferdinando Fuga; the Borghese, Cesi, Sforza, and Sistine Chapels; and the Crucifix and St. Michael chapels by Luigi Valadier.
The Basilica is Pope Francis’ final resting place.
Tradition has it that the Virgin Mary herself inspired the choice of the Esquiline Hill for the church’s construction. Appearing in a dream to both the Patrician John, the landowner of the Esquiline Hill, and Pope Liberius, she asked that a church be built in her honor on a site she would miraculously indicate.
Text in English and Italian.
“This is a place where different voices and ideas meet, inspiring visitors through the unexpected plurality of meanings and interactions presented in the different themes and the way they are displayed. Instead of proclaiming one truth, the museum invites and embraces a multitude of perspectives, allowing a dynamic discourse in narratives dealing with very topical issues.” – Jury EMYA (European Museum of the Year), special commendation 2022
In a world longing for certainty and clear-cut answers, the Museum of Doubt makes a powerful case for doubt, vulnerability, and complexity as driving forces of both science and citizenship. Professor Marjan Doom, director of the Ghent University Museum (GUM) & its neighboring botanical garden, invites readers to reflect on the role of science museums today. Drawing on personal experience and curatorial case studies, she reveals how art and science enrich one another, how doubt is not a weakness but a necessity, and how museums can bridge the gap between science and society. A sharp and compelling ode to critical thinking.
Ramón Esteve Estudio is a multidisciplinary architecture and design studio known for creating spaces that seamlessly blend light, materiality, and structure into harmonious environments. Deeply rooted in the Mediterranean spirit yet open to global influences, the studio approaches each project as a dialogue between the site and the client. For Esteve, architecture is a balance of technical mastery and artistic sensitivity—where function and beauty come together to create meaningful, lasting spaces. Inspired by vernacular traditions and guided by contemporary principles, the studio’s work transforms houses into true homes: emotional, sensory, and timeless.
This book, featuring 11 signature private residences in the Mediterranean, reflects Ramón Esteve’s philosophy on creating a home—a fusion of manifesto and laboratory, where place, light, scale, and materiality converge to craft a unique experience. The Mediterranean remains a strong cultural and emotional anchor, though his approach extends beyond borders.
Each project begins with a conversation between the client and the context, with the ultimate goal of creating a genuine home. For Esteve, architecture is both a craft and a discipline—grounded in sensitivity and technical expertise. Every design is tailor-made, transcending mere function to become a stage for life.
For Esteve, the ideal home is one that feels instinctively familiar from the very first moment—an emotional, cultural, and existential refuge.
To mark its 15th anniversary, watch brand Ressence will publish Ahead of Time. Whilst Ressence is a luxury watch brand, this is no homage to the industry – instead the title profiles creatives across a range of fields whose work embodies the Ressence philosophy: to re-imagine the essential. In the book, entrepreneurial visionaries share their perspectives on the future within their respective fields creating an inspiring, collectible volume that offers a positive, informed perspective on where we are all heading.
Former Monocle journalist Nolan Giles interviews Daniel Libeskind, Joe Gebbia, Stefan Sagmeister, Tony Fadell (Nest), Ivy Ross (Google), Spencer Bailey (journalist, co-founder of The Slowdown), Tina Fordham (geopolitical strategist and adviser), Phil Schiller (Apple), and 12 others.
This anthology celebrates the remarkable beauty of our feline companions. Deliberately striking, the photographs in this exquisitely bound book emphasize modern, innovative perspectives – showcasing fresh, unexpected projects from both renowned and emerging photographers around the world. Moving beyond the traditional, sometimes predictable shots of cats lounging on windowsills or in laps, these images re-imagine cats in a new light, whether captured in studio settings, on location or using surprisingly abstract techniques.
Both beautiful and unusual, the images in this exquisitely bound book capture the freshest contemporary photography of flora from both famous and lesser-known photographers around the world. Although enchanting, the pictures move us away from traditional and sometimes predictable images of gardens, wildflowers and tropical plants. This beautifully bound book makes a perfect gift and shows flowers in a new light, whether shot in the studio, on location or using surprisingly abstract techniques.
In The Wines of Beaujolais Natasha Hughes MW guides readers expertly to a greater understanding of the diversity of wines made in the region. In the last few years the quality of wines emerging from Beaujolais has risen dramatically, yet many still associate the region with Beaujolais Nouveau. From the 1960s onward the region became best known for these fun, unsophisticated wines, which were released just a few weeks after harvest. Nouveau brought financial security to the region, but the extraordinary level of demand for these wines also led to industrialized methods of farming and wine production. The resulting decline in quality ultimately damaged Beaujolais’s reputation. Most wine lovers were unaware that, in parallel with this, there was a movement in the region to re-establish Beaujolais’s historic reputation as a source of fine wines. The focus was on terroir, respect for the environment and considered winemaking – all things valued by today’s wine lovers. This movement has gained momentum in recent years and Beaujolais is now a region with ambitions to match up to the reputation conferred on its neighbors in Burgundy and the Rhône.