When in doubt this holiday shopping season, gift an awesome coffee table book. As long as you choose something beautiful, that will retain its relevance for years to come, you can’t go wrong. Fortunately, there is a luscious crop of new releases to choose from right now, from contemporary menswear to the first ever Instagram book. Use our discerning top five selection and make it rain (books).
1. Contemporary Menswear: A Global Guide to Independent Men’s Fashion by Steve Vogel, Nicholas Schonberger and Calum Gordon
If anyone can vouch for how exciting menswear is right now, it’s us. And the editors of this poignant overview have captured and collated the major visionaries behind contemporary menswear circa N-O-W. Referencing over 50 international designers, brands, stores, websites and blogs, from Danish label Won Hundred to Jeff Carvalho, the founder and editor of men’s fashion blog Selectism, this volume is packed with insightful profiles and inspiring trend essays. A great gift for sartorial gents.
2. The Instagram Book edited by Steve Crist and Megan Shoemaker
Instagram lovers will adore this ode to some of the greatest grams captured since the social network launched in 2010. Featuring imagery from both professional photographers and amateur grammers, the book showcases an artful selection of selfies, snapshots of urban life and breathtaking natural landscapes, which capture the truly revolutionary nature of the image-sharing platform.
3. Robert De Niro: Anatomy of an Actor by Glen Kenny
We’re pretty sure Robert De Niro is way up top on most guys favourite actor list. This awesome book by Glen Kenny explores De Niro’s artistic evolution and all round amazingness through his ten most major roles. From Taxi Driver (1976) to Raging Bull (1980) each chapter features film stills, rare set photographs and comprehensive analysis. A sure-fire stocking filler for any cinephile.
4. Palm Beach People by Harry Benson
This sun-drenched homage to Palm Beach provides a fascinating insight into the resort’s glamorous residents and glorious haunts. From captains of industry and politicians to movie stars and artists, photojournalist Harry Benson captures each subject and location with a sense of vivid realism. Benson was the most published photographer in Life magazine and editor, Hilary Geary Ross is the society editor of Quest and Q magazines. This is a great option for glamour-loving girlfriends.
5. Extreme Adventure: A Photographic Exploration of Wild Experiences
Adventurers will adore this awe-inspiring pictorial of extreme experiences captured across some of the most wondrous corners of the globe. From land yachting over the Mojave Desert to tornado chasing across the Great Plains, award-winning travel photographer Peter Guttman establishes just how epic our planet is and in so doing, instills a sense of raw adventure within even the most faint-hearted readers.
