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Hints of Red and All That Glittered at Assouline's 30th Anniversary Soirée at Maxims-de-Paris

Guests danced the night away to the music of The Gipsy Kings and enjoyed a spectacular evening at the iconic Parisian venue.

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Prosper, Martine, and Alexandre Assouline. Photo by Jean Picon.

In 1994, Prosper and Martine Assouline, who met in Paris, made their mark on the literary world by releasing Assouline's first title, La Colombe d'Or. This book covers the history of their favorite hotel in the South of France, which they still visit every summer. Little did they know this book would become so much more than a creative release—it would become the start of a family business, later involving their son, Alexandre Assouline, as the company's current Chief Operations Officer. Today, with over 1,700 books, dozens of boutiques worldwide, collections of home fragrances and objets d’art, a digital magazine, a podcast, and incredible partnerships, the French publisher stands as an exemplary global luxury brand. Assouline has captivated readers for three decades by leading them on visual journeys to countless cities and immersing them among creative visionaries across the worlds of beauty, interior design, fashion, culture, and beyond.

So, as Assouline celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it seemed perfect to fly back to Paris, where it all began. The chosen venue? The iconic Maxim's-de-Paris, a quintessential Parisian restaurant in the 8th arrondissement, known for its elegance and chic Art Nouveau interior. Guests arrived at the historic location venue at 8 pm, dressed in Black Tie attire with hints of red throughout. Whether in a pocket square, a headpiece, or a small accessory, the hints of red were the perfect complement to celebrate the launch of Assouline Red, created in collaboration with the Pantone Color Institute. 

The guest list was intimate and familiar. In attendance were longtime friends and collaborators of the brand, such as authors, photographers, and contributors. To kick off the memorable celebration, guests gathered inside the dining room for a seated dinner with signature Assouline cocktails as Prosper and Martine took center stage and spoke of their gratitude to each other and appreciate for everyone there. Their heartfelt words emphasized the significance of their 30-year adventure, making everyone feel proud to be a part of this long-standing legacy and special community.

After the dessert, the guests made their way into the grand ballroom, where the rumba flamenca band, The Gipsy Kings took over the stage and performed hits such as Bombeléo and Volare. The renowned group, who performed at Alex and Solange Assouline's wedding in 2023 and at Martine and Prosper's wedding over 30 years ago, returned for another exceptional Assouline celebration. As guests made their way back into the Parisian night, they were gifted a special Assouline by Assouline book that showcases the brand's history and highlights significant moments from the past 30 years.

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