Nestled in a nook above the lobby of The Plaza Hotel New York sits a gem of a bookstore, Assouline’s flagship New York boutique. Martine and Prosper Assouline founded their publishing company in 1996, “with an idea and a belief: the first, a notion that beauty, perfected, has meaning that is capable of transforming our lives; and the second, that a book—artfully crafted and highly considered in its visual content—can open our eyes and minds.” Their books are works of art and I wanted to look under every beautiful cover. Every detail in the special world that makes up Assouline feels exquisite and inspiring. There is even a whole room in the back dedicated to their beautiful vintage collection. And the display which showcases their collaboration with bespoke bookbinder, Paul Vogel, is striking in it’s rainbow collection of skins and fabrics, and a mise en scène of the tools he employs. Yes, their artfully crafted books and environment certainly did open my eyes and my mind. In the best possible way. Couldn’t help but bring home just one present for my husband. Love their attention to detail. Simple craft paper sealed with a wax ‘A.’ Magnifique!
Above photo courtesy of Assouline
All photography, unless otherwise noted, Beth Horta for Sweet Sabelle.