Assouline Publishing
{{Short description|Book publisher and luxury lifestyle company}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{COI|date=February 2024}}
{{Advert|date=February 2024}}
{{Refimprove|date=February 2024}}
}}
{{Infobox publisher
| name = Assouline Publishing
| image = AssoulineLogo.jpg
| caption =
| parent =
| status =
| traded_as =
| predecessor =
| founded = 1994
| founders = Martine and Prosper Assouline
| successor =
| country = United States
| headquarters = 3 Park Avenue, New York City
| distribution =
| keypeople =
| publications = Books
| topics = Fashion, Travel, Design, Art, Architecture and Cuisine
| genre =
| imprints =
| revenue =
| owner =
| numemployees =
| website = {{url|www.assouline.com}}
}}
Assouline Publishing is a book publisher and luxury lifestyle company founded in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline. It has published more than 1,700 titles on subjects including architecture, art, design, fashion, gastronomy, lifestyle, photography, and travel. Beginning in the 2010s the company has branched out to designing, producing, and selling furniture, accessories, and luxury gifts, and to creating bespoke furnished and accessorized libraries for individuals and hotels.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
History
The publishing house began as a family company in the basement of Martine and Prosper’s apartment in Paris.{{cite web|url=https://wsimag.com/art/19954-in-conversation-with-the-assoulines|title=In Conversation with the Assoulines|first=Kate|last=Enters|date=3 April 2016|publisher=WSJ}} One year later, the firm opened its first office on rue Danielle Casanova in Paris. The couple’s first published book was La Colombe d'Or (1994) which covers the history of their favorite hotel in the South of France, including photographs by Prosper and text by Martine.{{cite web| url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2012/01/the-world-of-assouline-how-a-luxury-book-publisher-has-thrived-in-an-anemic-market.html| title=The World of Assouline|first=Lesley M. |last=Blume|date=1 January 2012|publisher=Slate}}
The company went on to establish its first book series in 1996 – the Memoire collection, which was composed of books focusing on individuals and companies in fashion, jewelry, design, and art. Initial publications included books on Alaïa, Chanel, Vionnet, and Dior. The collection was available in 10 different languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
In 2007, the company owners relocated to New York City, and that same year they began to partner with the Council of Fashion Designers of America.{{cite web|url=http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/24227/american-fashion-review|title=American Fashion Review - Threads|publisher=Threads Magazine}}{{cite web|url=https://cfda.com/|title= CFDA|publisher=CFDA}} In 2011 Prosper Assouline was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres{{cite web|url= https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Nous-connaitre/Organisation/Conseil-de-l-Ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres/Arretes-de-Nominations-dans-l-ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres/Nomination-ou-promotion-dans-l-ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres-janvier-2011|title= Nomination ou promotion dans l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres janvier 2011|date=22 February 2011|publisher=Ministere de la culture}} from the French Ministry of Culture for his work in publishing.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703583404576080270549434858|title=Assouline Is Knighted|first=Valentine|last=Uhovski|date=14 January 2011|publisher=Wall Street Journal}} In 2012, Assouline produced a waterproof book on the subject of the South Pole,{{cite web|url=http://www.starrett-lehigh.com/2012/02/18/assoulines-new-waterproof-book-south-pole/|title=Assouline's New Waterproof Book: South Pole|date=18 February 2012|publisher=Starrett Lehigh}} as well as Gaia, a book of photos taken on the International Space Station by Guy Laliberté.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kisa-lala/the-founder-of-cirque-du-soleil_b_2325044.html|title=The Founder of Cirque du Soleil - Guy Laliberté Returns from his Journey into Space with Plans to Change the World|first=Kisa|last=Lala|date=19 December 2012|publisher=Huffington Post}} In 2016, the French Institute Alliance Française awarded the Assoulines with the Art de Vivre award for their publications.{{cite web|url=http://www.llnyc.com/49395-well-heeled-francophiles-honor-lifestyle-publishers-at-le-bilboquet|title=Well-heeled Francophiles honor lifestyle publishers at Le Bilboquet|date=7 June 2016|publisher=LL NYC}}{{cite web|url= https://www.giftsanddec.com/market-news/assouline-co-founders-presented-art-de-vivre-award/|title= Assouline Co-Founders Presented with Art de Vivre Award|first=GDA|last=Staff|date=2 June 2016|publisher=Gifts and Decorative accessories}}
In 2013, LVMH acquired a minority stake in the company.{{cite news |last1=Schneier |first1=Matthew |title=Judged By Their Covers: How the Assoulines made their name on books to be seen (and occasionally read) |url=https://www.thecut.com/2020/03/assouline-fashion-book-publishing.html |access-date=20 June 2022 |work=The Cut |date=March 6, 2020}} By 2025, Assouline had published over 2000 books.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=How Martine Assouline Transformed Book Publishing |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/a62027266/martine-assouline-career-interview-2024/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=ELLE |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-07-31 |title=The Coffee Table Coup: How Big Books Spawned an Even Bigger Economy |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a61690492/coffee-table-book-economy/ |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Town & Country |language=en-US}}
As of the 2020s, Assouline is known for its collections, including its extensive and colorful travel series,{{cite news |last1=Villa-Clarke |first1=Angelina |title=Page Turners: You Can Still Travel Thousands Of Miles With Assouline |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/angelinavillaclarke/2021/01/25/page-turners-you-can-still-travel-thousands-of-miles-with-maison-assouline/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |work=Forbes |date=January 25, 2021}} its Handcrafted Ultimates collection,{{cite news |last1=Cha |first1=Frances |title=Bookmark this! World's best bookstores |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-coolest-bookstores-new/index.html |access-date=23 November 2022 |publisher=CNN |date=August 3, 2015}}{{cite news |last1=Devadanam |first1=Steven |title=Fab and fashionable crowd packs haute French bookstore's grand opening in River Oaks District |url=https://houston.culturemap.com/news/society/04-23-21-assouline-river-oaks-district-grand-opening-party-photos/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |work=CultureMap Houston |date=April 23, 2021}} its Classics collection,{{cite news |last1=Thiyagarajan |first1=Darishini |title=Louis Vuitton announces the launch of Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh book, published by Assouline |url=https://www.esquiresg.com/launch-of-louis-vuitton-virgil-abloh-book-published-by-assouline/ |access-date=23 November 2022 |publisher=Esquire |date=September 8, 2022}} and its signed limited editions such as the special edition of its book on Versailles.{{cite news |last1=Trilivas |first1=Nicole |title=This New Book On Versailles Costs $4,900 — But Includes A Private Tour |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicoletrilivas/2020/11/10/this-new-book-on-versailles-costs-4900---but-includes-a-private-tour/ |access-date=21 June 2022 |work=Forbes |date=November 10, 2020}} and books in collaboration with artists and personalities such as Roger Federer{{Cite web |last=Seymour |first=Corey |date=2024-07-29 |title=Roger Federer on the Two Years That Changed Him, Keeping Tabs on Rafa, and His Fascinating New Book |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/roger-federer-assouline-book |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Kuper |first=Simon |date=2024-08-03 |title=How Roger Federer rode the ‘beautiful wave’ of tennis for 24 years |url=https://www.ft.com/content/8ffdac98-ae25-4507-8f80-3dfd73e5a333 |access-date=2025-03-06 |work=Financial Times}} and Jay-Z.{{Cite web |last=Tharpe |first=Frazier |date=2024-12-04 |title=Take an Exclusive Look At Images From the Jay-Z Tribute 'The Book of HOV' |url=https://www.gq.com/story/jay-z-book-of-hov-images |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=GQ |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=Assouline's 'The Book of HOV' Commemorates JAY-Z's Brooklyn Public Library Tribute Exhibition |url=https://hypebeast.com/2024/12/book-of-hov-a-tribute-to-jay-z-assouline-book-brookyln-public-library-tribute-exhibition-release-info |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=Hypebeast}}
Martine and Prosper's son Alex has been at the company since 2014. As of 2022 he is chief of operations, brand, and strategy.{{cite news |last1=Lasky |first1=Julie |title=How Many Books Does It Take to Make a Place Feel Like Home? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/24/realestate/why-do-people-keep-books.html |access-date=20 June 2022 |work=New York Times |date=December 24, 2021}} Alex has spoken on the future of the brand, taking the publisher into the digital age,{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Booth |date=2022-01-27 |title=Alex Assouline on Bringing the Business of Fashion Books Into the Digital Era |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/alex-assouline-on-fashion-books-in-the-digital-era-1235054196/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} as well as expanding into product development,{{Cite web |last=Moin |first=David |date=2024-06-12 |title=After 30 Years in Business, Assouline Plots Retail Expansion — Including on Madison Avenue |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/assouline-retail-agenda-product-development-alexandre-assouline-1236414666/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} and library curation interior design.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Why luxury publisher Assouline is shooting for the moon |url=https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/fashion-and-style/why-luxury-publisher-assouline-is-shooting-for-the-moon-20220329-p5a90k#:~:text=,grew%20up%20together,%E2%80%9D%20says%20the |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}
Boutiques and flagship stores
In 2003, Assouline opened a corner boutique in the Bergdorf Goodman Building. The company opened its first standalone boutique in Paris in 2006.
The company has subsequently opened branded corners inside different locations around the world, including Madrid and Sydney.{{Cite web |title=Assouline cements New York roots with new store |url=https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Assouline-cements-new-york-roots-with-new-store,1643477.html |website=fashionnetwork}} Assouline also operates retail locations in various cities including Bal Harbour, Florida,{{Cite web |last=Moin |first=David |date=2024-06-12 |title=After 30 Years in Business, Assouline Plots Retail Expansion — Including on Madison Avenue |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/assouline-retail-agenda-product-development-alexandre-assouline-1236414666/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} Houston, Texas{{Cite web |title=Assouline-opens-first-Southwest-store |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/article/Assouline-opens-first-Southwest-store-in-16106215.php |website=houstonchronicle}} and Mexico City,{{Cite web |last=Moin |first=David |date=2024-06-12 |title=After 30 Years in Business, Assouline Plots Retail Expansion — Including on Madison Avenue |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/assouline-retail-agenda-product-development-alexandre-assouline-1236414666/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} as well as its London flagship store, Maison Assouline,{{Cite web |last=Hojnicki |first=Carrie |date=2014-10-01 |title=Assouline Opens a Flagship Shop in London |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/assouline-opens-london-flagship |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Architectural Digest |language=en-US}} that opened in 2014, featuring the Swans Bar.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/design/49999/new-chapter-assouline-launch-london-store.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030043646/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/luxury/design/49999/new-chapter-assouline-launch-london-store.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-10-30|title=New chapter: Assouline launches London store-Telegraph|publisher=The Telegraph}}
In 2024, Assouline opened a boutique on Madison Avenue in New York.{{Cite web |last=Moin |first=David |date=2024-06-12 |title=After 30 Years in Business, Assouline Plots Retail Expansion — Including on Madison Avenue |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/assouline-retail-agenda-product-development-alexandre-assouline-1236414666/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}
Luxury lifestyle brand
Since 2011 the company has also been building itself into a luxury lifestyle brand.{{cite news |last1=Sherman |first1=Rebecca |title=The Book People |url=https://www.papercitymag.com/fashion/book-people-martine-prosper-assouline-beautiful-books-luxury/ |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=Paper City |date=9 September 2016}} In addition to books, Maison Assouline in London sells furniture,{{cite news |last1=Seo |first1=Juyoung |title=Maison Assouline: London's Luxury Shop For Bibliophiles |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/juyoungseo/2017/07/24/maison-assouline-londons-luxury-shop-for-bibliophiles/ |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=Forbes |date=July 24, 2017}} rare objects,{{cite news |title=Library of Luxe |url=https://www.lonny.com/mag/LWms5c5gRnP/November+2014/K7DB44gIbf3/Library+of+Luxe |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=Lonny |date=November 2014}} and luxury gifts,{{cite news |title=Maison Assouline: defying conventions in a temple of good taste |url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/82971/maison-assouline-defying-conventions-in-a-temple-of-good-taste |access-date=17 June 2022 |work=The Week |date=27 March 2017}} and some of Assouline's stores in other locations do as well.{{cite news |last1=Gillespie |first1=Lane |title=Retail Roundup: Luxe bookstore Assouline enters Houston; Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, more open in Galleria |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2021/04/26/assouline-louis-vuitton-giorgio-armani-galleria.html |access-date=18 June 2022 |work=Houston Business Journal |date=April 26, 2021}}
In 2015, Assouline launched an "Haute Couture" furnishings collection called "Assouline Interiors."{{cite web|url=http://www.highendweekly.com/assouline-interiors-celebrates-a-touch-of-style/|title=Assouline Interiors Celebrates A Touch of Style|date=16 April 2015|publisher=High End Weekly}} Assouline also produces accessories,{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/wish/maison-assouline-is-a-book-lovers-paradise/news-story/d9ba29c13443003511c38be8f652c232|title=Bound for glory|date=2 July 2015|publisher=The Australian}}{{cite web|url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/29473-assouline-finds-upscale-niche.html|title=Assouline Finds Upscale Niche|publisher=Publishers Weekly}} bookbags, and bindery.{{cite web|url=https://www.assouline.com/maison-assouline-announcement.html|title=MAISON ASSOULINE - Assouline|website=www.assouline.com|access-date=2017-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002214744/http://www.assouline.com/maison-assouline-announcement.html|archive-date=2016-10-02|url-status=dead}}
Assouline has collaborated with global luxury brands including Zara,{{cite news |last1=Sams |first1=Lauren |title=Why Luxury Publisher Assouline Is Shooting For The Moon |url=https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/fashion-and-style/why-luxury-publisher-assouline-is-shooting-for-the-moon-20220329-p5a90k |access-date=23 November 2022 |publisher=Financial Review |date=June 7, 2022}} Oliver Peoples,{{cite news |last1=Medina |first1=Marcy |title=Oliver Peoples Fetes 'California as We See It' With Lisa Eisner |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/oliver-peoples-california-as-we-see-it-lisa-eisner-1202918160/ |access-date=23 November 2022 |publisher=WWD |date=November 30, 2018}} and Gucci.{{cite news |last1=Anyanwu |first1=Obi |title=Gucci unveils limited edition Blind For Love book with Assouline |url=https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/gucci-unveils-limited-edition-blind-for-love-book-with-assouline,758318.html |access-date=23 November 2022 |publisher=Fashion Network |date=November 28, 2016}} With recent titles, the publisher has worked with numerous brands, including Louis Vuitton,{{Cite web |date=2023-04-19 |title=Louis Vuitton Explores the Architecture of Luxury in Its New Book, ‘Skin' |url=https://hypebae.com/2023/4/louis-vuitton-book-skin-paul-goldberger-assouline |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Hypebae}} Dior,{{Cite web |last=Diderich |first=Joelle |date=2023-05-16 |title=New Dior Book Chronicles the Raf Simons Years |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/new-dior-book-focuses-on-the-raf-simons-years-1235651404/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} Rolex,{{Cite web |date=2018-12-04 |title=This New Rolex Book is a Fascinating Look At Some of The Brand’s Most Iconic Watches |url=https://www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a529662/rolex-the-impossible-collection-book/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Gear Patrol |language=en-US}} Patek Philippe,{{Cite web |last=@thestyleguide1 |date=2023-11-15 |title=Explore The World Of Patek Philippe With A New Coffee Table Book - Maxim |url=https://www.maxim.com/style/explore-the-stunning-world-of-patek-philippe-with-this-this-lavish-coffee-table-book/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=www.maxim.com |language=en-US}} Formula 1,{{Cite web |last=Mathew |first=Viju |date=2021-05-25 |title=Assouline’s New $995 Formula 1 Book Was 70 Years in the Making |url=https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/interview-brad-spurgeon-author-formula-1-impossible-collection-assouline-1234615542/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Robb Report |language=en-US}} James Bond,{{Cite web |last=AI |date=2023-10-05 |title=James Bond Destinations Book By Assouline |url=https://www.007.com/james-bond-destinations-book-released-by-assouline/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=James Bond 007 |language=en-US}} and Barbie.{{Cite web |title=the-barbicore-trend-continues |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bethbernstein/2023/11/27/the-barbicore-trend-continues/?sh=256b07d62a19 |website=forbes}}
The company also creates custom libraries for individuals and hotels including interior design, furniture, vintage objects, and accessories.{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Heidi |title=A House to Look Smart In |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303901504577460770904124192 |access-date=18 June 2022 |work=Wall Street Journal |date=June 27, 2012}}{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Booth |title=Alex Assouline on Bringing the Business of Fashion Books Into the Digital Era |url=https://wwd.com/eye/people/alex-assouline-on-fashion-books-in-the-digital-era-1235054196/ |access-date=18 June 2022 |work=WWD |date=January 27, 2022}} In New York City they have designed private libraries and lounges in buildings including 432 Park, 550 Madison Avenue, The Caledonia, and The Shephard.{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/10/26/behold-the-house-of-the-future/|title=Behold, the house of the future|first=Mark|last=Ellwood|date=26 October 2016|publisher=The New York Post}}{{cite news |last1=Clavarino |first1=Elena |title=Alexandre Assouline |url=https://airmail.news/issues/2021-12-25/alexandre-assouline |access-date=18 June 2022 |work=Air Mail |date=December 25, 2021}}
In 2023, Assouline launched a line of scented candles in collaboration with perfumer Jérôme Epinette.{{Cite web |last=Montanez |first=Abby |date=2023-05-04 |title=Exclusive: Assouline Just Launched a Line of Candles Designed to Smell Like Vacation |url=https://robbreport.com/shelter/home-design/assouline-home-fragrance-candle-collection-1234838871/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Robb Report |language=en-US}} The line featured scents evoking Mykonos, Marrakech, Tulum, Ibiza, Gstaad and Moon.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-05 |title=Assouline’s First Candle Collection Evokes the Memories of Travel |url=https://hypebeast.com/2023/5/assoulines-first-candle-collection-info |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Hypebeast}}
In early 2024, Assouline introduced the brand’s signature color, Assouline Red, which was officially recognized by color expert Pantone.{{Cite web |last=Templeton |first=Lily |date=2024-02-01 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Assouline Marks 30th Anniversary With Signature Pantone Color |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/assouline-pantone-signature-red-color-anniversary-lifestyle-brand-1236159128/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}
Activism
Since 2019, Assouline has partnered with One Tree Planted to grow one tree for each book sold, with the eventual goal of creating a sustainable cycle, producing books from trees planted specifically for the publisher.{{Cite web |title=martine-assouline-arbiter |url=https://gothammag.com/martine-assouline-arbiter |website=gothammag}}{{Cite web |title=Brand Guide: Assouline |url=https://imboldn.com/digest/brand-guide-assouline/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=IMBOLDN |language=en-US}}
During the Maui Wildfires in 2023, the brand announced that 100% of sales of the book would go towards relief for locals affected by the fires through the end of the year.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-07 |title=100% of Net Proceeds from This Beautiful Coffee Table Book Go to Help Victims of Maui Wildfires |url=https://www.veranda.com/shopping/home-accessories/a45028430/hotel-wailea-book-assouline-maui-wildfires/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=Veranda |language=en-US}}
References
{{reflist}}