Accompanying a major exhibition this autumn at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, The Golden Age of Couture: Paris
and London 1947 - 1957 (Abrams, September 2007, $45) explores the period when the glamorous world of haute couture was at its height. Beginning with the impact of Christian Dior’s New Look, this lavishly illustrated book highlights the work of Dior and his contemporaries and reveals the inspiration behind some of the most famous styles of all time.

The stunning beauty and classic elegance of Grace Kelly are celebrated in The Grace Kelly Years: Princess of Monaco (Skira, October 2007, $55), the handsome companion book to the tribute exhibition commemorating the 25th anniversary of her passing. Using many never-before-seen photos, this catalogue provides a fascinating look at all facets of the Princess’ remarkable life.

Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture (Vendome Press, September 2007, $75) is the first book to showcase the sumptuous costume jewelry produced by couture fashion houses. The hundreds of beautifully reproduced pieces are a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and astonishing diversity of these designs.

Wadia Associates: New Classicists (Images Publishing Group, October 2007, $90) offers a breathtaking selection of luxurious residences designed by New Canaan-based architect Dinyar Wadia. Working in all traditional styles of architecture, Wadia’s designs are distinctive for their refined elegance and seamless incorporation into the landscape.

Since the success of his revolutionary design for the Pompidou Center in Paris, Renzo Piano has been entrusted with the collections of the most distinguished art institutions in the world. Renzo Piano Museums (Monacelli Press, October 2007, $60) presents a spectacular portfolio of eighteen museum projects, beginning with Pompidou Center and continuing to the most current designs for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sarajevo. Lush color photographs and handsome presentation drawings convey the form and detail of these extraordinary buildings.