As the leaves turn golden and the air begins to get cooler soon, there’s no better time to cozy up with a great book—especially one that inspires creativity and a fresh perspective on style. This fall we have curated a list of must-read design books that offer more than just beautiful pictures. From the latest in interior design trends to timeless fashion inspirations and leaders, these tomes are your perfect companions for embracing the season’s beauty. Whether you’re looking to revamp your home or update your wardrobe, these selections will ignite your imagination and elevate your aesthetic. So, get ready to turn the pages and let the inspiration flow. Find these and more at https://capitaloneshopping.com/s/barnesandnoble.com/coupon.
HENRI BENDEL AND THE WORLDS HE FASHIONED
By Tim Allis
During its heyday, New York’s Henri Bendel was the most glamorous department store in the world. This gorgeous book provides a vivid window into New York’s social and cultural evolution—told through fashion—well into the 21st century. $34.95. By Louisiana University Press
DISCO: MUSIC, MOVIES, AND MANIA UNDER THE MIRROR BALL By Frank DeCaro Half a century after the drug-fueled, DJ-driven, glamour-drenched musical phenomenon of disco was born at a New York City loft party, disco’s musical and fashion influences live on in popular culture. Here is a frolicking, entertaining, yet serious tribute to the overlooked art form of disco, which has never been given its proper due until now. $55. By Rizzoli USA.
BLENHEIM: 300 YEARS OF LIFE IN A PALACE
By Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill
In addition to the gilded staterooms and acres of landscaped gardens, here we see the family’s private apartments, with their secret corridors and history of illustrious guests, as well as the “downstairs” staff area with its iconic bell system. Crafted by the best talents of the age, the art and statuary are by such notable artists as John Singer Sargent and Joshua Reynolds, providing a window into the rich history of England. $75. By Rizzoli USA.
THE BATTLE OF VERSAILLES: THE FASHION SHOWDOWN OF 1973
By Mark Bozek
Here’s the first illustrated book to chronicle the dramatic 1973 face-off between French and American fashion designers. With a guest list of over 700 pop culture notables, this contest pitted each country against the other, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion industry. It launched American designers as a global force and challenged the cultural norms of the time while transforming fashion history. $85. By Rizzoli USA.
LOVE HOW YOU LIVE: ADVENTURES IN INTERIOR DESIGN
By Rodman Primack with Ruby Weissenberg
Designer Rodman Primack has garnered attention over two decades for his playful and global spirit; ‘a punk take on preppy’ known to break hierarchies by layering textures, patterns, art, and bold colors. His first book includes thirteen international projects, each reflecting the culture and conditions of their locations and the passions of their inhabitants while embodying Primack’s radical philosophy. $64.95. At Phaidon/Montecelli.
SWING BY!
By Stephanie Nass
Looking for event inspiration from a ‘hostess with the mostest’ like Stephanie Nass? This book is creatively organized by type of party—standing soirees, seated suppers, outdoor dining, and holiday celebrations. It features sixteen fun, festive, and original ideas for hosting. It’s a can’t-miss guide for your upcoming entertaining. $45. By Rizzoli USA.
BALENCIAGA-KUBLIN
By Ana Balda and Maria Kublin
It’s the first book to document the short yet prolific artistic career of fashion photographer and filmmaker Tom Kublin, and a celebration of his creative union with Cristóbal Balenciaga during the fashion house's postwar heyday in Paris. More than 140 photographs and film stills by Kublin capture the golden age of Balenciaga couture in the 1950s and 1960s. $75. By Thames & Hudson USA.
LADY PAMELA
By India Hicks
This new visual biography is a dynamic chronicle of Lady Pamela Hicks’ life. Daughter of the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the last viceroy of India, Lady Pamela was a first cousin to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. She served as a bridesmaid and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, before marrying legendary interior designer David Hicks. An extraordinary tome about a life well lived. $60. By RizzoliUSA.
FASHION FIRST
By Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton went through her scrapbooks to find some of her earliest fashion moments and inspirations and then takes us on her style journey from her early career through the present. The hats, the turtlenecks, the wild patterns, and more are accompanied by Keaton’s reflections in her recognizable voice. $55. At Rizzoli USA.
MADAME GRÈS COUTURE
By Oliver Saillard
Renowned for her signature draping and innovative asymmetrical dresses, Madame Grès (1903–1993) was one of the leading fashion designers of twentieth-century Paris. Formally trained as a sculptress, her complex yet delicate haute couture designs evoke ancient statuary and exude a timeless elegance. She had a resurgence in the 1970s, with Yves Saint Laurent and Issey Miyake advocating for her work. $65. By Rizzoli USA.
FREDERIC: THE LAST WORD IN CHIC
By Dara Caponigro
Here is a marvelously curated collection of the most memorable interiors featured in FREDERIC magazine, one of the design world’s most lauded publications. Readers are invited to step inside 28 incredible homes, from lovingly restored historic houses to breathtaking new residences. Each of the featured projects are presented in a new light with never-before-seen images. $84.95. By Phaidon/Montecelli.
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO: RED CARPET DREAMS
By Christian Siriano
The celebrated fashion designer takes us on an exhilarating journey with today’s biggest stars wearing his statement-making designs on the world’s most exciting red carpets. This delves into Siriano’s continued evolution as a visionary, from his groundbreaking designs that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and body positivity to the meticulous craftsmanship behind each gown. $55. By RizzoliUSA.com.
FRANCIS BACON: A SELF-PORTRAIT IN WORDS
By Michael Peppiatt
In the artist Francis Bacon’s writing, readers encounter his caustic wit and ability to express complex ideas. In addition to letters to family, friends, and lovers, there are notes and lists of paintings, often with a sketch as an aide-memoire or injunction to himself as he worked in the studio, many of which have come to light since his death. $50. By Thames & Hudson USA.