ASSOULINE

Interiors of the Assouline bookstore/boutique located in The Plaza Hotel 

So finally made it to the Assouline bookstore/boutique at the Plaza Hotel the other day. Although I am a huge fan of books by Taschen, Assouline is a very close runner up. They publish books that are sophisticated, masculine, and have excellent art direction. Like Taschen they do produce deluxe (expensive) editions of many of their titles. Books on Fashion, Art, Photography and Design are their chosen speciality.  They are also very much in the know on packaging and collaborating with other luxe and prestigious brands like Coach, Goyard and Chanel and carry an extensive line of gift items like gorgeous scented candles, stationary and desk accessories. I was drooling over their Cole-Hann man-bag retailing for $450 (see pic above). Ended up buying a small book on Paul Gauguin's journals he kept while in the paradise of Tahiti.  A cute price of $18.95...yes that's all from this luxurious little nook of a bookstore. www.assouline.com  GO!