5 Of The Chicest New Tomes To Add To Your Coffee Table Immediately
A handpicked edit of the latest collectible coffee-table books for all tastes and to suit all tables…
Fashion Eye: Rajasthan
A striking visual homage to Rajasthan – the Land of Kings – seen through the lens of fashion photographer Bharat Sikka, this Louis Vuitton photo book presents a contemporary portrait free from myth and stereotype. Sweeping images are paired with biographical notes and critical essays, while drawings and textures playfully inject fictional elements into everyday street scenes. Through a fashion-led perspective, it captures India’s duality, embracing slums and palaces, elephants and motorbikes alike. The collection unfolds as a tapestry of sites, rituals and characters, reimagining the ordinary through an intimate cinematic lens.
Louis Vuitton. Dhs270, me.louisvuitton.com
The Mark
Housed in a beautiful 1920s building at the corner of 77th and Madison Avenue, The Mark Hotel has always been a glistening tribute to the glamour and sophistication of New York’s Upper East Side. Its old world comfort, avant-garde design by the legendary Jacques Grange and arguably the best service in town, have made it a favoured crash pad of the rich, famous and creative crowd for decades; as well as the unofficial headquarters for fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala. Readers are given an insider tour, delving into the spaces and experiences that define the starry hotel, such as the grand penthouse (the largest in the US), the Mark Bar and Caviar Kaspia, with archival photographs and original illustrations.
Assouline. Dhs440, assouline.com
Splendido: The Radiant Stage Of Portofino
Perched above Portofino on the Italian Riviera, Hotel Splendido traces its legendary heritage from a 16th-century Benedictine monastery to its modern design incarnation by Belmond. The story captures the history and legends of both the hotel and the town, from local folklore — including the tale of the woman believed to have saved Portofino from ruin — to defining moments such as the opening of Italy’s first Dior Spa, while also offering a glimpse of the lesser-known La Portofinese Eco-Farm. Hosting guests from Ava Gardner to Madonna, Hotel Splendido remains a stylish hideaway that echoes Portofino’s la dolce vita.
Assouline. Dhs525, assouline.com
The Red Sea Cookbook
A tribute to the heritage of Saudi cuisine, Madeeha Qureshi’s debut cookbook explores the country’s vibrant flavours through a nostalgic culinary love letter to her spiritual homeland and its people. Traditional recipes, from chickpeabased baleela to the celebratory rice dish kabsa, are reimagined with a modern sensibility and interwoven with personal anecdotes, evoking the colours of Jeddah’s street food, the spice-laden air of Riyadh’s royal courts, and the briny breeze of the Red Sea. Tracing the historic journey of its ingredients, the narrative reflects on how dishes are passed down through generations, carrying shared memories and the enduring warmth of home.
Nourish. Dhs136, penguinrandomhouse.com
Cartier
Celebrating the legacy of Cartier’s design and craftsmanship, this tome honours a storied jewellery house once famously described by King Edward VII as the “Jeweller of Kings and King of Jewellers.” Bringing together exceptional pieces from the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Royal Collection and Cartier’s own private archives, this volume highlights a maison synonymous with icons such as Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. Examining the house’s design philosophy and global influences, the pages chronicle the ambitions of the Cartier brothers through intricate design sketches, vintage advertisements and rare photographs, illustrating how the brand continues to define luxury across generations.
V&A Publishing. Dhs240, uae.kinokuniya.com
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