Assouline Publishing

Martine and Prosper Assouline

The publishing house began as a family company in the basement of Martine and Prosper’s apartment in Paris.[2] One year later, the firm opened its first office on rue Danielle Casanova in Paris. The couple’s first published book is La Colombe d'Or (1994) which surrounds the history of their favorite hotel in the South of France, including photographs by Prosper and text by Martine.[3]

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 Assouline began to partner with the Council of Fashion Designers of America.[4] In 2011, Prosper Assouline was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres [5] from the French Ministry of Culture for his work in publishing.[6] Later, the French Institute Alliance Française awarded the Assoulines with the 2016 Art de Vivre award for their publications.[7]

In 2002 Assouline published the book Bright Young Things by Brooke de Ocampo.[8] Then 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.[9] In 2011 Prosper Assouline was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture for his work in publishing.[10] In 2012, Assouline produced a waterproof book on the subject of the South Pole,[11] as well as Gaia, a book of photos taken on the International Space Station by Guy Laliberté.[12]

In 2015, Assouline launched a "Haute Couture" furnishings collection called "Assouline Interiors".[13] Assouline also produces accessories,[14][15] bookbags, and bindery.[16] They have also designed private libraries and lounges in New York City in buildings including 432 Park, The Caledonia, and The Shephard.[17] In 2016, the French Institute Alliance Française awarded the Assoulines with the Art de Vivre award for their publications.[18]

In 2003, Assouline opened a corner boutique in Bergdorf Goodman. Assouline opened its first standalone boutique in Paris in 2006.[15] Assouline has opened several flagship stores, including a London store entitled Maison Assouline that opened in 2014,[14] which houses the Swans Bar.[19] Other boutiques are located in Istanbul, Mexico City, and Seoul.[20]

• Official website