April 13, 2021
In The Shop - In The Library: Six New Books For The Ultimate Collector
As a watch collector, you know the amount of time, energy, and care that goes into curating the perfect assortment of timepieces – some with historical context, others that reflect a particular era or trend, and maybe a few with pop culture significance. The same philosophy is true with nearly any type of collectible, from cars to clothing to art, and it's this unique nature of collecting that inspired Assouline's Ultimate Collection.
This growing line of nearly two dozen books covers every niche of collectibles, whether you're a connoisseur of watches or an adjacent interest. You may be familiar with the Impossible Collection of Rolex , of Cars, or of Watches , but today, we're excited to welcome six more titles from the Ultimate Collection series in the HODINKEE Shop.
Plus, if you're looking for a unique and artistic way to display one of these titles or another favorite in your library, we also now have two new 15th-century inspired bookstands available in the Shop .
The Impossible Collection Of Motorcycles
Watch fanatics and motorcycle fanatics go hand in hand. Both objects represent a mastery of mechanics all housed in a beautiful package, the combination of which makes them equal parts functional tools and collectible works of art.
In The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles , you'll learn every detail about the iconic bike Peter Fonda rode in the 1969 film Easy Rider ; Evel Knievel's bike of choice, a Harley-Davidson XR750; the one-of-a-kind BMW R7, and more. Whether you're a true devotee to two wheels or simply a motor enthusiast who doesn't discriminate as long as there's speed involved, you're sure to appreciate The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles .
The Impossible Collection Of Fashion
While the dress may seem like a relatively simple article of clothing, it can take many forms, from the most ornate wedding gown to the classic little black frock. In The Impossible Collection of Fashion , industry authority Valerie Steele explores the evolution of the dress throughout the 20th century. Steele is director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she has personally organized more than two dozen exhibitions in the past two decades. She brings her curatorial skills to the page with a compilation of 100 dresses that represent the most notable, influential, and awe-inspiring creations of the past 100 years.
In The Impossible Collection of Fashion , you'll not only have the pleasure of perusing 100 stunning illustrations but also gain rare insight into how these designs were conceptualized – for Alexander McQueen, inspiration came from his dreams, and for Dior, architecture influenced his designs. Every dress and every artist is unique, which is what makes this collection so special.
Golf: The Impossible Collection
Watches and golf have a long history, from ambassadors like the legendary Arnold Palmer to brands serving as official timekeepers of events. Plus, it's no secret that we're big fans of the sport here at HODINKEE – our own Ben Clymer just launched The Fairgame podcast with champion golfer Adam Scott and Eric Mayville. However, when you think of the relationship between golf and watches or, more specifically, golf and time, the golf course itself might not immediately come to mind.
Well, if you've ever been curious about what goes into the intricate greens on which golf is played, look no further than Golf: The Impossible Collection . Here, the former editor-in-chief of Golf magazine and 2016 PGA Lifetime Achievement Award winner for Journalism, George Peper, will take you on a journey through the designs of 100 of the most notable courses in the world. Whether it's a particular green's historical significance or remarkable architecture, you'll learn all about it in Golf: The Impossible Collection
The Impossible Collection Of Jewelry
When you think of names like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, or Chanel, you might immediately conjure up images of their watches, but these brands have long made names for themselves as jewelers as well. In The Impossible Collection of Jewelry , fine jewelry historian Vivienne Becker has selected creations from these Maisons and others that have shaped the design language of jewelry over the past 100 years.
Becker's experience ranges from the journalistic to the curatorial, and in The Impossible Collection of Jewelry , she puts both skills to use. Here, you'll learn about historically significant objects worn by royals like Princess Diana to baubles that became icons by association on the likes of legends such as Elizabeth Taylor.
The Impossible Collection Of Design
At first glance, it may seem that watches and furniture have little to nothing in common, but what they do share is a unique balance of form and function. Furniture is meant to be utilized and lived in, just like a watch. Yet, it also serves an aesthetic purpose – it's meant to be pleasing, stylish, or downright beautiful. And like watches, vintage furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years, causing a surge in the auction market and record sales.
These concepts and more come to life in The Impossible Collection of Design . Here, auction house veteran and design expert Frédéric Chambre has composed an epic collection of 100 years of creative innovations in form, materials, and techniques; you'll travel from Art Nouveau to Bauhaus, and Art Deco to the Memphis school.
Chanel: The Impossible Collection
When it comes to modern couture, the designs, silhouettes, and overall essence have largely been shaped by a single fashion house: Chanel. However, Chanel's designs were more than merely a fashion statement – they were a political statement. They represented a change in the landscape of society, one in which a woman could be free from the confines that had quite literally shaped who she could be and what she could wear, marking the shift from the corseted silhouette to sporty, casual chic.
In Chanel: The Impossible Collection , celebrated fashion journalist Alexander Fury has created a literary museum exhibition through the Chanel archives over the past century. From the timeless Little Black Dress to the impeccably simple tweed suit and everything in between, you'll find a combination of photos from the runway, museums, and private collections as well as rarely seen archival images from Chanel. The result is a beautiful retrospective that highlights the key moments and creations from one of the most influential fashion designers in the world, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.
Explore The Full HODINKEE Library
If you're a fan of watches, it's likely that the concept of collecting piques your interest. With Assouline's Ultimate Collections, you get the chance to dive into all areas of the curation process whether you prefer sport, design, or fashion.
Head over to the HODINKEE Library to explore these titles and more, covering watches and all the other aspects of life that fill you with a sense of passion. And don't forget, if you're looking for a stylish way to display a beloved title, our new bookstands make the perfect addition to any room or home library.The unequivocal collector's companion for every interest.