Assouline

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.

History

The publishing house began as a family company in the basement of Martine and Prosper’s apartment in Paris. 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.

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.

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. In 2011 Prosper Assouline was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture for his work in publishing. In 2012, Assouline produced a waterproof book on the subject of the South Pole, as well as ''Gaia'', a book of photos taken on the International Space Station by Guy Laliberté. In 2016, the French Institute Alliance Française awarded the Assoulines with the Art de Vivre award for their publications.

In 2013, LVMH acquired a minority stake in the company. By 2025, Assouline had published over 2000 books.

As of the 2020s, Assouline is known for its collections, including its extensive and colorful travel series, its Handcrafted Ultimates collection, its Classics collection, and its signed limited editions such as the special edition of its book on Versailles. and books in collaboration with artists and personalities such as Roger Federer and Jay-Z.

Martine and Prosper's son Alex has been at the company since 2014. As of 2022 he is chief of operations, brand, and strategy. Alex has spoken on the future of the brand, taking the publisher into the digital age, as well as expanding into product development, and library curation interior design.

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.  Assouline also operates retail locations in various cities including Bal Harbour, Florida, Houston, Texas and Mexico City, as well as its London flagship store, Maison Assouline, that opened in 2014, featuring the Swans Bar.

In 2024, Assouline opened a boutique on Madison Avenue in New York.

Luxury lifestyle brand

Since 2011 the company has also been building itself into a luxury lifestyle brand. In addition to books, Maison Assouline in London sells furniture, rare objects, and luxury gifts, and some of Assouline's stores in other locations do as well.

In 2015, Assouline launched an "Haute Couture" furnishings collection called "Assouline Interiors." Assouline also produces accessories, bookbags, and bindery.

Assouline has collaborated with global luxury brands including Zara, Oliver Peoples, and Gucci. With recent titles, the publisher has worked with numerous brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Formula 1, James Bond, and Barbie.

The company also creates custom libraries for individuals and hotels including interior design, furniture, vintage objects, and accessories. In New York City they have designed private libraries and lounges in buildings including 432 Park, 550 Madison Avenue, The Caledonia, and The Shephard.

In 2023, Assouline launched a line of scented candles in collaboration with perfumer Jérôme Epinette. The line featured scents evoking Mykonos, Marrakech, Tulum, Ibiza, Gstaad and Moon.

In early 2024, Assouline introduced the brand’s signature color, Assouline Red, which was officially recognized by color expert Pantone.

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.

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.

References

External links

*{{Official website, http://www.assouline.com/

1994 establishments in New York (state)
Book publishing companies based in New York (state)
Luxury brands
Publishing companies based in New York City
Publishing companies established in 1994