Although every day is Mother’s Day, May 8 has been set aside this year to celebrate mothers, motherhood, and family life. Cards, flowers, and a family meal traditionally mark the occasion.
If you are thinking about adding a special gift, Assouline, publisher of lifestyle books, has some suggestions that are available at its store in The Royal Poinciana Plaza.
"Mother and Child" by author and photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank ($95), captures the essence of what motherhood means in the 21st century. Images reflect those unguarded, intimate moments between mothers and their children. Seventy families, including islanders the Lauders, Fanjuls and Kembles are represented.
"Estee Lauder: A Beautiful Life" ($195), pays homage to this remarkable woman, who was a seasonal Palm Beacher. This inspiring album, put together with the help of her granddaughters, Aerin and Jane, includes family photographs, company archives, and personal letters.
Lauder, whose skincare cream business began in her kitchen in New York's Queens borough, managed to create a portfolio of luxury cosmetic brands sold worldwide. Her empire was built with hard work and kindness.
Always impeccably groomed, tastefully bejeweled, Lauder was known for hosting the most elegant dinner parties and counted among her friends Princess Grace of Monaco, Princess Diana, Hubert de Givenchy and Frank Sinatra.
Her genius, such as offering customers a gift with a purchase, developed brand loyalty and set industry standards. The book honors the brand’s 75th anniversary.
"Flowers: Art & Bouquets" by Sixtine Dubly ($95) makes an excellent choice for those who love gardening and flower arranging. Sprinkled throughout the book are thoughtful words such as John Lennon’s “Love is like a flower, you’ve got to let it grow.”
This book has centuries of glorious images of botanical illustrations, floral paintings from Dutch masters to impressionists. Every page demonstrates the eternal beauty of flowers.
Forty international floral artists take center stage with photographs highlighting traditional as well as modern minimalist approaches to dazzling arrangements.
"Smiley: Fifty Years of Good News" ($60) by Franklin Loufran and Nicolas Loufran will brighten up Mom’s Day. Did you ever wonder where those smiley faces came from?
This sunny, bright yellow book tells readers that Smiley first appeared 50 years ago as a happiness promotion in France Soir, a French newspaper. The image was used to highlight positive news stories and over the decades, became an international symbol of hope and joy.
The book documents the history of Smiley, whose image has been used to promote social movements, popular culture and by fashion designers on everything from T-shirts to luxury accessories.
Assouline’s collection of vibrant destination books has captivated millions of fans. Pick a destination — Mykonos, Capri, St. Moritz, Athens, Amalfi, Marrakech, Dubai, Provence, Havana, Tuscany, Hamptons, Aspen — add a few tickets and you have the beginnings of a fabulous family vacation. ($95 each)
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"Buccellati: A Century of Timeless Beauty" by Alba Cappellieri ($195) highlights four generations of the family that have made their name synonymous with exquisite pieces of jewelry, flatware and centerpieces.
What sets Buccellati apart is their revivals of ancient goldsmithing and chiseling techniques, intricate hand engraving and dazzling gemstones. Their show-stopping silver centerpieces are made using ancient lost wax casting that give objects sensual lines and graceful movements. The 296-page book has 175 illustrations and comes in a luxurious slip case.
Fashion-conscious mothers, daughters and granddaughters might enjoy hours of enjoyment perusing through "Chanel: The Impossible Collection" ($895) by Alexander Fury.
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This handcrafted volume comes in a luxury clamshell case, with 180 illustrations and five gatefolds. It documents a century of designs and innovations by this legendary woman.
From the little black dress, garlands of pearls (real and faux), to softly tailored tweed suits, iconic black-tipped beige shoes to making legs look longer, Chanel’s designs gave generations of women style, comfort, glamour, and elegance.
Stroll on down to the Chanel shop on Worth Avenue, add a bottle of Chanel No.5 perfume to the tome and you have a spectacular gift for mom.
In addition, Assouline carries notebooks of handmade, textured Venetian paper, ($180) and embossed handmade paper bookmarks.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday