Stories

During the Cold War, Soviet space magazines captured the imagination of a nation by celebrating the pioneers, heroes, and everyday citizens behind the USSR’s technological triumphs. Illustrated with surreal, vibrant artwork infused with Communist ideals, these publications showcased the boldest visions of space exploration and science, featuring talents like pilot-turned-illustrator Konstantin Artseulov, cosmonaut-artist Alexei Leonov, and sci-fi illustrator Andrei Sokolov. These magazines offered Soviet citizens a thrilling glimpse into boundless discovery and the power of scientific progress, embodying a spirit of optimism and national pride. Soviet Space Graphics: Cosmic Visions of the USSR reveals this fascinating artistic legacy, inviting readers to explore over 250 striking visuals that reflect the era’s cosmic ambitions and ideological drive.

Soviet Space Graphics: Cosmic Visions from the USSR showcases a captivating collection of illustrations commissioned for Soviet popular science magazines, blending real space achievements with imaginative sci-fi visions from the mid-to-late 20th century. The artwork reflects not only the scientific ambition of the Eastern Bloc but also draws on Russia's cultural heritage, as seen in early depictions of Martian explorers resembling tsarist figures. Later, more scientifically grounded pieces by artist-engineer N. Kolchitsky bring a detailed, realistic touch to alien worlds, merging art and technology. This vibrant visual journey reveals how Soviet artists envisioned the cosmos through a uniquely cultural and progressive lens.

Once seen as a beacon of future progress, the Soviet Union set the pace in space exploration with groundbreaking firsts—from launching the first satellite and sending the first humans and animals into orbit, to pioneering spacewalks and interplanetary missions. Decades before the US Moon landing, visionary illustrations like B. Dashkov’s 1959 depiction of a lunar space station captured the Soviet ambition and imagination. Featured in the influential magazine Technology for the Youth, these stunning graphics blended scientific achievement with state ideology, charting a bold cosmic vision during the Cold War. Today, the legacy endures as Russia collaborates on cutting-edge lunar mapping projects, revealing that those early dreams might not have been so far-fetched after all.

Soviet Space Graphics: Cosmic Visions from the USSR offers a captivating glimpse into the rich visual and cultural history of the Soviet space era, revealing how the USSR not only pioneered many space milestones but also inspired a nationwide fascination with cosmic exploration. Through vibrant illustrations—from playful children’s comics depicting Sputnik’s components to striking artworks created by cosmonaut Alexei Leonov—the book showcases the blend of science, speculation, and propaganda that fueled public imagination during the Cold War. From visionary moon bases and futuristic flying cars to paranoid conspiracy themes, these striking images capture the hopes and fears of a bygone era, making the book a delightful tribute to a time when space was both a national ambition and a fantastical frontier.

Annie Atkins’ new book, *Fake Love Letters, Forged Telegrams, and Prison Escape Maps: Designing Graphic Props for Filmmaking*, offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the art of creating cinematic graphic props. From the iconic Zoltar fortune-telling machine in *Big* to meticulously crafted documents in *The Grand Budapest Hotel* and *Bridge of Spies*, Atkins reveals the craftsmanship and storytelling power behind these often-overlooked movie details. Featuring hundreds of her creations alongside personal collections of vintage ephemera, the book delves into unique materials, aging techniques, and the challenges of period accuracy—like using professional calligraphers to simulate Tudor-era handwriting. A treasure trove for prop makers, graphic designers, and movie lovers alike, Atkins’ work transforms paper, stamps, and typewriters into magical props that bring film worlds vividly to life.

Fabien Baron, renowned for his commercial design work, reveals a quieter, deeply personal side through his large-format seascape photography, a passion he's pursued for over four decades. While celebrated for his fashion campaigns and art direction, Baron has quietly captured the minimal beauty and energy of oceans, icebergs, and remote landscapes, using long exposures to meld sky and water into painterly visions. His dedication took him from the shores of the Hamptons to the icy expanses of Greenland, where a daring, flash-lit boat shoot, sponsored by Moncler, brought his visionary landscapes to life. This collection, spanning from 1982 to recent years, showcases a therapeutic journey back to his artistic origins, blending commercial success with intimate creativity in his new book, *Fabien Baron: Works 1983-2019*.

Finn Juhl was a pioneering force who helped shape Scandinavian Modernism into a warm, human-centered alternative to the cold monumentality of international Modernism. Celebrated for iconic designs like the Poet Sofa and Chieftain Chair, Juhl and his contemporaries crafted furniture and interiors that emphasized natural materials, organic forms, and social consciousness, making design that prioritized people’s needs over mere style. Though his work fell out of favor toward the end of his life, Juhl’s legacy has experienced a powerful renaissance, with his timeless pieces now hailed as classics that embody honesty, originality, and a deeply humane aesthetic. His story is a testament to the enduring impact of thoughtful, crafted design in the modern world.

Finn Juhl was a pivotal figure in the rise of Danish modernism, shaping the iconic mid-century aesthetic that continues to influence interiors worldwide. Phaidon’s new book, Finn Juhl: Life, Work, World, offers the first comprehensive look at this celebrated designer, tracing his journey from a young art enthusiast to a global design pioneer. Showcasing his most beloved works—such as the legendary 48 Chair, his groundbreaking United Nations Trusteeship Council Chamber interiors, and innovative Scandinavian Airlines ticket offices—the book reveals how Juhl melded beauty and utility with deep respect for craftsmanship. Authored by Christian Bundegaard, it also explores Juhl’s collaborations, cultural influences, and enduring impact on Scandinavian modernism. Complete with archival images, technical drawings, and a detailed design inventory, this volume is a must-have for design lovers eager to dive into the world of a true Scandinavian design icon.

Nicholas Bonner’s new book, Printed in North Korea: The Art of Everyday Life in the DPRK, offers a rare, deeply insightful look into North Korea’s culture through 500 linocut and woodblock prints spanning from the 1950s to today. Drawing from Bonner’s unique personal collection—one of the only ones both inside and outside the country—this 240-page hardback reveals the creativity behind North Korean propaganda, showcasing intimate glimpses of daily life for workers, farmers, scientists, and children. The richly annotated volume also explores the artistry and printing techniques behind these powerful images, blending poetic landscapes with vivid portrayals of camaraderie and national history, making it an indispensable, beautifully detailed tribute to the talent and spirit of North Korea’s artists.

Our new book, Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century, is a vibrant celebration of residential design, showcasing 400 stunning interiors by an eclectic mix of designers, artists, and style icons worldwide. Highlighting transformative spaces like the Isokon Building in Hampstead—an iconic modernist project that revolutionized British design between the wars—the book explores how visionary figures like Jack Pritchard and Marcel Breuer injected fresh European modernist ideas into the home. From sleek plywood furnishings to collaborative communal living concepts, these rooms reveal design’s power to shape culture. With four stylish cover options to match your taste, Interiors is a must-have for anyone passionate about the art of living beautifully.

Emily Thompson's floral installations defy traditional flower arranging, blending her sculptural background with a fascination for nature’s raw drama. Her work captures the fierce, life-and-death struggles of the natural world, combining unexpected elements like vines, citrus, and even octopuses to create spectacular, living tableaux. Growing up in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and later decorating the White House ballroom, Thompson channels the wild, untamed spirit of nature through intricate, fast-paced arrangements that engage all the senses. Featured in the book *Blooms: Contemporary Floral Design*, her creations invite viewers to feel the undeniable vitality of the materials, celebrating the living world while pushing the boundaries of floral art.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Bauhaus art and design school revolutionized modern aesthetics by seamlessly blending design and manufacture, profoundly influencing architecture, furniture, and interior design. From Paul Klee’s pioneering abstract art to Walter Gropius’s iconic mid-century homes combining tradition and innovation, Bauhaus’s legacy reshaped American suburban housing and furniture, exemplified by Herman Miller’s modernist transformation during the Great Depression. In Britain, Jack Pritchard’s Isokon Furniture Company introduced Bauhaus principles to interior design, creating holistic living spaces that featured works by Marcel Breuer and other key figures. While the minimalist ethos inspired by Bauhaus has its critics, the school’s complex history and enduring impact remain foundational to contemporary design worldwide.

In his new book *Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines*, Vince Aletti, a renowned photo critic and collector, celebrates the art of fashion photography from iconic early Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar issues to contemporary titles like i-D and Fantastic Man. Marking the passage of time through September’s vibrant fashion magazines, Aletti draws from his vast personal archive amassed since childhood, housed in his East Village apartment filled with rare prints, photobooks, and nostalgic treasures. With a deep affection for magazines like The Face, his collection offers a vivid, intimate glimpse into decades of visual culture, capturing a lifetime of images both fleeting and unforgettable.

Harry Bertoia, renowned for his iconic Diamond chair, discovered a unique form of artistic expression in the late 1950s when bending a wire produced an unforgettable sound. This revelation sparked a passionate exploration of sound sculptures throughout the 1960s, where his creations ranged from gong-like instruments to wire arrangements that emitted haunting, whale-like tones. Though his innovative Sonambient music, released on his own label, never reached the widespread acclaim of his furniture designs, it is now experiencing a revival thanks to Important Records, which has reissued his entire collection in an 11-disc CD set and is pressing vinyl editions through a Kickstarter campaign. For those intrigued by Bertoia’s captivating fusion of metalwork and sound, the new book *Bertoia: The Metal Worker* offers an in-depth look at his remarkable legacy.

Mid-winter may be quiet in the flower world, but for Darroch and Michael Putnam—New York City’s premier floral designers known as Putnam & Putnam—it’s a season of vibrant creativity and global inspiration. In 2018, they were the trusted creators for icons like Grace Coddington, Martha Stewart, and Gwyneth Paltrow, while traveling the world to teach workshops and share their passion. Their acclaimed Flower Color Guide, a beautifully organized overview of blooms by hue, has become a celebrated resource. Reflecting on an incredible year that included a stunning 14-page editorial for American Vogue, the Putnams look ahead to 2019 with promises of even more ambitious floral adventures and breathtaking designs, sharing their joy with friends, family, and flower lovers everywhere.

Renowned designer Stefan Sagmeister, alongside Jessica Walsh, delves into the profound impact of beauty on our daily lives in their book *Beauty*. Highlighting how iconic structures like New York’s Grand Central Station uplift spirits compared to the less appealing Penn Station, Sagmeister critiques the modernist International architectural style for eroding the unique charm of local building traditions, leaving the world feeling colder and more dehumanized. Yet, amid this critique, *Beauty* also offers hopeful solutions, inviting readers to rediscover and embrace the enriching power of beautiful design in everyday life.

Michael and Darroch Putnam, the talented duo behind New York’s renowned floral design firm Putnam & Putnam, have had a remarkable year filled with global workshops, a spectacular Vogue editorial collaboration with Grace Coddington and Steven Klein, and orchestrating the floral arrangements for Gwyneth Paltrow’s wedding. They also unveiled their beautifully crafted Flower Color Guide, a vibrant and indispensable resource showcasing flowers arranged by pigment from lightest to darkest. Inspired by their travels and driven by creative passion despite frustrations with US politics, the couple looks forward to even grander floral adventures in 2019 and plans to share their beloved guide with everyone this Christmas.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Danish designer Verner Panton transformed ships floating on the Rhine into immersive showcases of bold, synthetic home environments for German chemical giant Bayer AG. These Visiona exhibitions, timed with the Cologne Furniture Fair, highlighted the decorative possibilities of plastics—a radical departure from the wood and natural materials favored by Panton’s contemporaries. His visionary installations featured vibrant rooms filled with illuminated plastic panels, shaggy carpets, and modular foam furniture, creating a mesmerizing experience where visitors were literally surrounded by color, form, and sound. Though these avant-garde interiors never became mainstream, they stand as a stunning testament to Panton’s daring creativity and the optimistic spirit of an era when plastics symbolized the limitless design future.

Darroch and Michael Putnam, the creative duo behind New York’s renowned floral firm Putnam & Putnam, celebrate the beauty and affordability of seasonal, locally grown flowers in their new book, Flower Colour Guide. Highlighting 400 carefully selected stems that blend the trendy, rare, and aspirational blooms of 2018, their work reflects both nature’s rhythms and high-fashion sensibilities gained from styling for Vogue. Kicking off their year-long floral journey, they spotlight the highly coveted—and delightfully temperamental—‘Cafe Au Lait’ Dahlia, offering daily inspiration and expert tips to flower lovers eager to embrace the season’s most stunning and timely blossoms.

Pet ownership and stylish interior design can coexist beautifully, as showcased in the new book *Pet-tecture: Design for Pets*. Featuring an inspiring range of contemporary pet furniture, the book highlights innovative pieces like LYCS Architecture’s CATable 1.0, which cleverly combines workspace and feline play, and LikeKittysVille’s eco-friendly Geometric Cat Bed that offers a cozy retreat with striking clean lines. Other standout designs include the versatile Necobaco cat tree from Clavo, the sculptural Cat-a-Comb by Atelier Suburban, and BOWOW London’s chic Loulie Cat Tower, which supports animal welfare causes. For those looking to customize their pet’s space, DOTE’s Mouldable Blanket offers a malleable refuge tailored to any cat’s temperament, proving that thoughtful design can enhance both pets’ comfort and home aesthetics.

Stefan Sagmeister and Jessica Walsh, two of the world’s leading graphic designers, challenge the modern design world's dismissal of beauty, tracing its decline to the rise of Modernism in the early 20th century. Once a universal pursuit evident even in prehistoric tools, beauty was sidelined as design became dominated by rigid functionality, uniformity, and austerity. Despite this shift, the pair argue that beauty remains vital—integral to true function and the emotional resonance of design. Through their book *Sagmeister & Walsh: Beauty*, they explore how contemporary culture often overlooks beauty’s value, even as people crave it subconsciously, urging a return to designing with care, intelligence, and love so that beauty is restored to its rightful place at the heart of creativity.

Michael and Darroch Putnam, the talented duo behind New York’s Putnam & Putnam, blend their backgrounds in photography and interior design to create striking floral arrangements for prestigious clients like Vogue and Bergdorf Goodman. They share expert tips for anyone looking to elevate their floral displays, such as choosing bold, rich color palettes for events, building good relationships with flower vendors, and knowing how to care for different varieties to ensure longevity. For those less confident in arranging, they suggest a minimalist approach—using unique flowers in simple vases to create elegant accents. Their expertise is beautifully encapsulated in their book, The Flower Colour Guide, a groundbreaking resource that categorizes flowers by color and season to inspire stunning, creative arrangements.

Grace Coddington, renowned for her influential career at Vogue both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, is stepping into a new role as a talk show host with her six-part interview series, Grace to Face, debuting on the Made to Measure streaming fashion network this September. Inspired by David Letterman’s acclaimed profile series, the show will feature candid conversations with notable figures like actor Ansel Elgort and Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, all filmed in the familiar setting of Mr Chow, the New York restaurant owned by her ex-husband Michael Chow, who will also appear as a guest. Though nervous about this new venture, Grace has carefully chosen easy-to-talk-to guests, promising an intimate and engaging exploration of fashion and creativity through her unique lens.

Snarkitecture’s innovative 2015 installation, The Beach, transformed the National Building Museum in Washington DC into a monochrome seashore made of 1,000,000 antimicrobial white plastic balls, captivating audiences as it traveled from DC to Tampa, Sydney, and Paris. However, 15,000 of these iconic balls remained in storage in Florida after the Tampa exhibit closed in 2016, as shipping them overseas proved too costly. Attempts to donate them to local schools failed, as colorful ball pits were preferred, leading to their auction alongside an eclectic mix of items at the Bay Area Auction House. This quirky twist gives a piece of contemporary art history a new, unexpected life in the hands of local bidders.