There’s no doubt that visiting Expo 2020 is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Luckily for us, being held in Dubai gives us the advantage to explore the new possibilities and perspectives, and with the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, we’re witnessing people from around the world come together with a shared purpose towards building a cleaner, safer, healthier future.
Inspiring action to deliver real-life solutions to the challenges our world is facing now, Expo 2020 kicked off (and remained) a hive of activity, from performances and parades, immersive experiences, insightful talks, food, art, music, sport and architecture. And to mark this momentous milestone for the country and region, Assouline has collaborated with Expo 2020 on seven unique volumes dedicated to the once-in-a lifetime event.
Assouline collectors can rejoice at the launch of those seven editions, which will give insight into Expo 2020 Dubai – each featuring original images, texts, exclusive interviews and insights into the architecture, inspiration and historical significance.
Below, we exclusively spoke to Prosper Assouline, who together with his wife Martine, defined an era of luxury fashion and art coffee-table tomes that are one for the books (winks).
Could you give us a little introduction to the Assouline brand?
Assouline is currently the leading luxury book publisher focusing on art, travel, design, fashion – ultimately lifestyle and culture. My wife, Martine, and I founded the company, in Paris in 1994. Having always proudly stood for luxury and culture, we are dedicated to inspiring through the pages of our titles while evoking emotions and providing information. In essence, we fully embrace the importance of a lifestyle devoted to the celebration of the very best in culture.
Can you tell us about the Expo 2020 book and its seven volumes?
Assouline has collaborated with Expo 2020 on seven unique volumes dedicated to the once-in-a-lifetime event. Four editions of this coveted collection were released in October 2021: three books on three of the most important pavilions: Terra-The Sustainability Pavilion, Alif-The Mobility Pavilion and Mission Possible-The Opportunity Pavilion. The fourth volume, ‘Site, Themes, Architecture’, is the catalogue of the exhibition.
Each title features original images, texts, exclusive interviews and insights into the architecture, inspiration and historical significance on display at Expo 2020. An additional three books will join the series in the Spring of 2022.
What were you most impressed by whilst researching about Expo 2020?
The most impressing was the fact that all nations are represented. It is the first time that so many countries participate to a World Expo.
Have you been to the Expo yet? If so, what was your favourite part? If not, what are you most excited to see when you visit?
Our editor in chief, Esther Kremer, just visited the Expo and was very impressed. I am planning to attend the Expo in the first week of February 2022. I have the feeling that I already know most of it, but I’m persuaded that, once I’m there, I will realize that I only know a minor part.
At Expo 2020, you have the chance to experience countless architectural marvels in one place. How important is the architectural richness when it comes to showcasing it at a fair such as the Expo?
The architecture is spot-on, innovative and not ostentatious.
How does Assouline choose who or which project to collaborate with?
We are very involved and carefully select each topic based on their interests. When we decide to produce a book, we truly do everything possible to ensure the concept reaches its full potential. We work exclusively with the best collaborators in the field to help us explore the subject. For us at Assouline, an in-depth familiarity with the subject is a must.
The Assouline x Expo 2020 Dubai editions are now available on Assouline.com.
Also read: Mryna Ayad launches ‘Dubai Wonder’ with Assouline.
