8 coffee-table books with style and substance

Before Calvin Klein’s ‘Obsession’ campaign made Kate Moss a household name, her then-boyfriend Mario Sorrenti took 50 candid black-and-white photographs of the 17-year-old model at home. As well as being a seminal portrayal of a remarkable young woman, this beautifully captured series is also testament to Sorrenti’s brilliance. A reflective introductory essay written by the photographer adds to the intimacy.

Take note from Assouline’s Chanel: The Impossible Collection, a “literary museum exhibition”, curated by fashion journalist Alexander Fury. The exquisite, handcrafted tome chronicles the maison’s influence and impact on the fashion industry and beyond. Through 100 of its most iconic moments, span the house’s rich history in close-up and vivid detail – from the days of Coco Chanel herself to the legacy of the late Karl Lagerfeld.

Long-time resident of the famed South Florida town, Aerin Lauder celebrates the glamour and allure of Palm Beach in this compelling tome. Illustrated with bold and striking imagery, it traces memories, histories and faces of the iconic destination – from the shops, restaurants and hotels of Worth Avenue to the scenery of the Lake Worth trail.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the renowned photographer at work. Revealing the inner process of her practice, Leibovitz addresses photojournalism, studio work, collaborating with dancers, athletes and writers, and transitioning from film to digital cameras. Originally a bestseller in 2008, the revised edition offers a newly eye-opening experience.

This book is all about ‘la dolce vita’ of the storied Neapolitan island – which has been enjoyed as a destination since at least the Roman Empire – and evokes the illustrious spirit and style of the Mediterranean. As important a part of the island as the ancient charm of its sights, including the Piazzetta, are the creatives and style icons who have enjoyed the resort over the years, depicted in the fabric of its rich history.

A joyous curation of 50 years of images taken by Bill Cunningham – the late master of street-style photography, recognized for his blue jacket, bicycle and cutting-edge work – is presented on these pages. Alongside published and unpublished pictures displayed according to decade are accounts by some of the notable industry figures he photographed, including style icons Anna Wintour and Vanessa Friedman.

Travel escapism is taken to new heights by the LA artist and photographer’s collection of aerial imagery showcasing incredible coastlines and shores around the world. Captured from the vantage point of doorless helicopters, the photographs evoke spirit, adventure and bucketfuls of wanderlust.

This volume brings together more than 100 film posters in a rich observation of the visual depictions made to capture “a movie’s essence with arresting precision”. Spanning genres and decades between the turn of the 20th century and the start of the 2000s, expect representations of some of the most well-known features in Hollywood history alongside cult classics and indie films.