Haute couture, exceptional watches, behind the scenes of perfume creation… These five books released in recent months touch on a variety of worlds where luxury is told, from near or far, through fascinating stories.
Gods and Kings – Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, grandeur and decadence by Séguier
“From rise to fall, a cross-biography that reads like a thriller” : these are the terms in which the book Gods and Kings – Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, grandeur and decadence is described. The 672-page work published by Séguier editions on April 18, by the author Dana Thomas, tells the life and work of these two great couturiers entered the world of fashion in the early 90s. The two visionaries of couture, never afraid to transgress the codes, revolutionized the world of luxury for two decades, from Givenchy to Dior to Alexander McQueen’s own brand. The book recounts these defining years of creation, where each fashion show was synonymous with a theatrical and sophisticated show, and the shipwreck of the two designers, crushed by an increasingly capitalist industry and in the hands of various addictions and personal suffering.
The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent by Flammarion
Published on March 13, 2024 by Flammarion, the book Les Fleurs by Yves Saint Laurent highlights the inseparable link between the designer and flowers, gardens. On 184 pages, the book tells the story of Yves Saint Laurent’s passion for roses, lilies of the valley, lilies, poppies and other bougainvilleas, which have never ceased to inspire him in his creations thanks to their delicate shapes and their colors as soft as they are flamboyant. Whether worked in print, embroidery or directly applied to clothing, flowers have always been central to Yves Saint Laurent’s artistic universe. The book echoes the exhibition of the same name which will take place from September 20, 2024 to May 4, 2025 at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris and which follows a first chapter presented at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech from March 2, 2024 and until January 5 of next year.
The Ritz Barman by Albin Michel
A book that has been a great success since its publication on April 24 (by Albin Michel editions), Philippe Collin tells the true story of Frank Meier, bartender at the Ritz Paris during the German Occupation. While the capital was under curfew, the legendary hotel remained the scene of the French art of living, widely appreciated by the occupiers. An Austrian emigrant and veteran of 1914, Frank Meier adapts and serves the men of the Gestapo while hiding a heavy secret for the time: being Jewish. Philippe Collin brilliantly recounts these years when the bartender risked his life behind his counter, with meticulous historical precision and impeccable tone. Note that the novel received the Prix Maurice Druon 2024.
The Connoisseur’s Guide to Fine Timepieces par Assouline
Under the auspices of the iconic Assouline publishing house, Boston-based retailer European Watch Company unveiled the 304-page book The Connoisseur’s Guide to Fine Timepieces in May. The piece features more than 150 remarkable watchesfrom the great classics to the most avant-garde, including rare vintage examples, from iconic brands as well as independent artisans. The descriptions and photographs reveal the designs, complications and all the details that make these timepieces the true embodiment of watchmaking excellence.
The secrets of perfumes by Belin
Perfume creation director at Guerlain for more than fifteen years and founder of her eponymous brand, Sylvaine Delacourte reveals the behind the scenes of fragrance creation in this 224-page book published by Belin last April. Description of the profession of Nose, career of a perfumer, conception of essences, association of notes, choice of bottles… This profession as mysterious as it is fascinating is subtly described by an expert in the field, mastermind of La Petite Robe noire. Enough to (re)discover the secrets of the olfactory universe.
