Every household needs one of the top coffee table books to add the perfect finishing touch – especially for those who appreciate luxury fashion and design. These beautifully crafted, hardcover books not only add a touch of elegance to even the simplest living spaces but also reflect the owner’s style and interests. Whether it’s to complement the home decor or showcase one’s taste, the selection of these books is intentional and carefully curated.
When entertaining guests, these coffee table books often become a topic of conversation or common interest between newly introduced visitors, much like a striking piece of art. They not only reflect the owner’s personality but also catalyze others to engage in their personal space. Whether you prefer a large designer book with rare imagery or a thought-provoking design book with historical gems and informative text, there is no right or wrong answer. Thankfully, there are plenty of great options released each year, allowing one to build a collection of these printed treasures that are perfect for skimming or indulging in every interesting tidbit of text.
A hardcover coffee table book featuring fashion or design would be a meaningful and long-lasting gift for a loved one, surpassing the temporary gesture of flowers or candles. According to Tara Dennis, an expert in residential interiors and architecture design from Archie Bolden, she often chooses to give luxury coffee table books as gifts for any occasion, including birthdays and Christmas. She believes that the variety of books available allows for a unique and personal selection that speaks to the recipient’s interests and personality, showcasing thoughtfulness and consideration.
As suggested by Dennis, adding a personal note inside the cover serves as a heartfelt reminder of the special occasion and reason for the gift. These designer coffee table books not only feature stunning visuals and words but also add to the aesthetics of any space, making it feel like a home. Contributing editor at Wallpaper, Tilly Macalister-Smith, emphasizes the value of books as objects in their own right, despite being moved around during house relocations. Surrounding oneself with books can be comforting, and below are some of the luxury fashion and design coffee table books.
Diane Keaton: Fashion First
Diane Keaton has always followed her fashion sense, making her a source of inspiration for both designers and movie enthusiasts since the 1960s. Rizzoli’s new coffee table book, which will be released in September, showcases Keaton’s fashion choices throughout the years. The book includes her unfiltered and entertaining commentary, as well as quotes from well-dressed Hollywood stars like Blake Lively and Sarah Jessica Parker. Fashion lovers can expect stunning imagery from renowned photographers such as Annie Leibovitz and Ruben Afanador.
Architectural Digest at 100 – by Architectural Architectural Digest (Hardcover)
In 1990, Architectural Digest released a lavish coffee table book that celebrates a hundred years of style. The magazine’s editors carefully handpicked archival photos and materials for this publication. Notable photographers like Bill Cunningham and Horst P. have captured images of the private homes of famous personalities such as David Bowie, Diana Vreeland, and the Obamas. Whenever you seek inspiration for interior design, this book is worth browsing through its pages.
The Little Book of Hermès by Karen Homer
Tom Ford
Tom Ford 002
Tom Ford 002 picks up where the last coffee table book left off in 2005. In the same style of bold pull quotes and stunning imagery, the book follows Ford’s foray into the movie business with his films “A Single Man” and “Nocturnal Animals”, as well as the beginnings of his namesake menswear label and return to womenswear design. Plus, the designer coffee table book includes those sexually charged advertisement campaigns for Tom Ford beauty, photographed by Terry Richardson. For the Tom Ford enthusiast, or just any person fascinated with the suave American designer, who also served as the Chairman of the CFDA, it’s an essential purchase that perfectly compliments the first book with pages full of Ford’s world of style and glamour.
Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion by Alan Flusser
The book “Ralph Lauren: In His Own Words”, featuring a plaid design, immerses the reader in the rich history and lifestyle of the iconic brand. It includes noteworthy articles from WWD in the 1980s and the January 1969 cover of Men’s Wear, published by Fairchild, which first showcased the 28-year-old fashion rebel’s wide neckties sold at Bloomingdale’s. The coffee table book also showcases Lauren’s impressive and desirable collection of sportswear, as well as his luxurious homes adorned with items from his sought-after home line. Just like everything Ralph Lauren offers, this book is a timeless gem that is highly coveted.
Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book
Sneakerheads can immerse themselves in this incredibly knowledgeable tome that features everything from how-to guides to stories of shoe collectors featured in Sneaker Freaker magazine over the years. Archival imagery of icons, such as Air Jordans from 1989 and Adidas Sambas from 1965, compliments the tales and texts in this sneaker bible with a high-shine cover that stands out with style on any table. Buyer beware: you will want to ramp up your sneaker collection after skimming this coffee table book.
Peter Lindbergh: On Fashion Photography
View the world of fashion through 300-plus Peter Lindbergh black-and-white images that feature designs by Yves Saint Laurent, Rei Kawakubo, Karl Lagerfeld, and more. Some of our favorite images from the legendary German fashion photographer? Amber Valetta with angel wings for Harper’s Bazaar in 1993 and his memorable biker-chic shoot with top supermodels in 1991 for Vogue.
