A coffee table book can be more than just a beautiful object. And while we do love those attractive covers, we’re seeking out some reads with a little more wit and intrigue. Composed of awe-inspiring visuals and thoughtful text, these coffee table book picks of 2015 will spark creativity and bring beauty into your life. Trust that these are treasured tomes, most of which feature some of the greatest artists of our #Millennial generation. (Petra Collins and Tavi Gevinson? Yes, please.) Go ahead and find them below!
1. Babe by Petra Collins ($20): Petra Collins is the 22-year-old rising photographer who founded The Ardorous, an online female artist collective (if you haven’t checked it out, you must). Her book is a print exploration of the female identity, with #GirlPower, Internet criticism and sexuality at the forefront of discussion. With a foreword by Tavi Gevinson and work by some of the most inspirational female artists of our generation (Sandy Kim, Karley Sciortino and Jeanette Hayes), this is a book you won’t want to miss.
2. Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotelby Matt Zoller Seitz ($23): After publishing The Wes Anderson Collection, film critic Matt Zoller Seitz returns with a collection of original illustrations and a three-part interview with Wes Anderson on the conception of the director’s esteemed film The Grand Budapest Hotel. Anderson fans will be happy to collect (and read) this book that comes beautifully packaged in the director’s signature aesthetic: a color palette of perfection and aerial photographs.
3. See San Francisco: Through the Lens of SFGirlbyBay by Victoria Smith ($13): The photography by Victoria Smith of the design blog SFGirlbyBay captures the beauty of San Francisco at its most vibrant and Instagram-worthy moments. Hidden gems, San Francisco landmarks and local spots are captured in this gorgeous, pastel-y photog book. Fun fact: All of Smith’s photos are #ShotoniPhone6!
4. Chloë Sevignyby Chloë Sevigny ($25): This gingham-covered book is the first to be published by the ’90s style icon, actress, model and street-style star herself. Teeming with thorough photo documentation, a foreword written by rocker and artist Kim Gordon and a hilarious afterword by Orange Is the New Black star Natasha Lyonne (talk about a #GirlSquad), this book satiates our Chloë fascination and so much more. From prom photos to that classic skateboard deck with her face plastered across it, this is a must-have for Sevigny fans.
5. Geraldine($30): This magazine is not for the basic bride. It showcases esteemed designers and photographers like Houghton, Jen Huang and Jose Villa. While Geraldine is technically a magazine, it looks and reads more like a valued coffee table book, offering both inspiration and practical planning advice for couples with refined tastes. Filled with high bridal fashion and stunning, modern wedding editorials, this Bay Area-based publication is a definite keeper.
6. Don’t Take These Drawings Seriously by Nathalie Du Pasquier ($36): It’s amazing how much we see that is influenced by Memphis Group. This Italian design and architecture company is known for its outlandish designs in the ’80s, which often featured a mishmash of colorful lines and shapes. Don’t Take These Drawings Seriously is chock full of Memphis Group founder Nathalie Du Pasquier’s original, unpublished and un-serious drawings that document one of the boldest, most influential periods of design.
7. Frida Kahlo’s Gardenby Adriana Zavala ($25): The mutual relationship between art, life and nature is undeniable in the vibrant work of Frida Kahlo. Accompanying the “Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life” exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden, Frida Kahlo’s Garden is a collection of essays, paintings and archival photographs tracing the evolution of Casa Azul, Kahlo’s lifelong home in Mexico City, which she shared with her husband Diego Rivera.
8. Self Publish, Be Happy: A DIY Photobook Manual and Manifesto by Bruno Ceschel ($30): Brunco Ceschel is the founder of Self Publish, Be Happy, an online organization celebrating self-published photobooks. This DIY manual is filled with inspirational photobooks and a list of DIY resources for those hoping to self-publish a photobook of their very own.
9. Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are by Danny Gregory ($13): Creativity is fun, but sometimes life gets in the way. This book by Danny Gregory is for aspiring artists who want to kickstart a creative habit — whether it’s drawing something every day or through the artist’s advice on self-motivation.
What are some gorgeous coffee table books that you want to read? Tell us in the comments below!
