Dive into the world of art, design, and fashion with the most anticipated books of 2026. From iconic designers to groundbreaking exhibitions, these tomes offer a visual and intellectual feast.
In an era dominated by digital content, there’s a renewed appreciation for the tangible and enduring quality of printed books. The most desirable new monographs offer a deep dive into the worlds of artists, designers, and fashion icons, providing a visual and intellectual feast that lingers long after the last page is turned.
From the groundbreaking work of the Antwerp Six to the dreamy narratives of Petra Collins the books of 2026 promise to captivate and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a casual reader, these tomes offer a unique perspective on the creative process and the cultural impact of art and fashion.
The Antwerp Six: A Legacy of Innovation
The MoMu’s Antwerp Six exhibition is a must-see event of the year, curated by Geert Bruloot a contemporary of the Six. This exhibition delves into the Belgian designers’ groundbreaking rise and enduring impact, featuring collaborations with Walter Van BeirendonckAnn DemeulemeesterDries Van NotenDirk Van SaeneDirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee.
The accompanying monograph is a collector’s item, offering a deeper look into the evolution of these iconic designers. It’s a testament to their antiglamour conceptualism and a celebration of their unique contributions to the fashion world.
Petra Collins: A Visual Whirlwind
Petra Collins known for her dreamy feminine lens, has released her newest work, STAR. This photo book tells the story of a fictional pop star and her most obsessive fans, exploring themes of stan culture celebrity, and shifting identity in a high-pressure world.
The book is a visual whirlwind, featuring high-impact images and even a soundtrack crafted by Collins and her boyfriend. It’s a full movie-style experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional photo books.
Achille Salvagni: A Creative Philosophy
Achille Salvagni renowned for his lavish modernist interiors and bespoke pieces, has released a new book that delves into his creative philosophy. The book explores his references from classical Rome to Art Deco, midcentury modern Italian, and more.
It features objects like his 2016-designed Spider chandelier showcasing his unique blend of sculptural and functional design. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and design.
Kembra Pfahler: A Rebel’s Journey
Kembra Pfahler a household name in the 1980s, rattled the Lower East Side with her viral, transgressive performance work. Her new eponymous tome traces her path to rebellion, featuring essays by Anohni and Jeffrey Deitch and tales of the early days of Rick Owens and DIY filmmaking.
The book is a powerful exploration of Pfahler’s uncompromising embrace of Kabuki theater, the occult, new brands of femininity, and bondage-laced visual codes. It’s a testament to her enduring influence on the art world.
Marc by Sofia: A Love Letter to Marc Jacobs
A companion to Sofia Coppola‘s documentary, Marc by Sofia brings us behind the scenes of Marc Jacobs‘s creative life. It’s an incredibly intimate work, full of hundreds of Polaroids, photographs from Jacobs’s Parsons days, and a telling of Jacobs’s story that reads like a conversation between friends.
The book offers a unique perspective on the creative process and the personal relationships that shape the world of fashion.
Venice: La Serenissima: A Visual Wonderland
The latest book in Assouline’s Ultimate Collection traces Venice’s cultural impact through a visual wonderland of images. Photographs from Helmut NewtonCecil Beaton and beyond are featured, alongside art from rare books and private collections.
Venetian historian Alberto Toso Fei leads us through the city’s founding to Peggy Guggenheim’s years, the invigoration of the Venice Biennale, and the most current happenings. It’s a comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Tracey Emin: A Confessional Practice
Tracey Emin known for her confessional, rawly autobiographical practice, has released a new book that explores her relationship to painting. The book features Emin opening up as she discusses the impact on her practice after her mother passed, her own cancer, and what drawing means to her.
It’s a deeply personal exploration of the creative process and the emotional journey of an artist.
Schiaparelli: Anglomaniac: A Celebration of Couture
The V&A’s current exhibition visualizes the development of Elsa Schiaparelli‘s groundbreaking, surrealistic couture with a special focus on the designer’s time in England. The book Schiaparelli: Anglomaniac picks up where the show ends, celebrating the house’s current creative director Daniel Roseberry.
It’s a window into the creative processes of so many of his U.K. collaborators and admirers, featuring everyone from Dua Lipa to Nick Knight and Nadia Lee Cohen. The imagery is the highlight, pushing the fantasy and capturing the fully imagined world of Schiaparelli.
