Cultural Vanguard: From MSCHF to Marina Abramović—The Most Anticipated Art, Design & Lifestyle Books of 2025

As cultural paradigms shift, 2025 heralds a new wave of artistic vision and intellectual discourse. This carefully curated collection transports readers into new worlds where provocative art meets cultural commentary, where design innovation mirrors societal evolution, and where design becomes a lens for examining our collective consciousness. From MSCHF’s audacious disruptions to Marina Abramović's poignant final dialogue with Ulay, these works challenge, illuminate, and redefine the intersections of creativity and human experience.

The Art of Disruption Made by MSCHF by Lukas Bentel, Kevin Wiesner, and Karen Wong (Phaidon, March 2025 | USD $79.95 | 384 pages)

Brooklyn’s MSCHF has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art with its bold, often controversial works—think Big Red Boot and Jesus Shoes. In Made by MSCHF, the collective offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how their disruptive projects come to life. From eccentric product design to viral internet phenomena, MSCHF’s work is a critique of the very cultural systems it inhabits. A visual survey of their most audacious pieces and a manifesto, the volume explores how subversion can spark cultural conversation. With contributions from MSCHF cofounders and never-before-seen imagery, it serves as a blueprint for anyone interested in how humor and innovation intersect in the digital age.

Nature’s Poetry Emerald Drifters by Cig Harvey, with an afterword by Ocean Vuong (Monacelli, Coming March 2025 | USD $59.95 | 224 pages)

In her stunning follow-up to Blue Violet, photographer Cig Harvey’s Emerald Drifters explores the poetic nature of color, light, and life itself. Through lush, saturated images of flora, cakes, and human figures in natural landscapes, Harvey invites readers to witness the ephemeral beauty of our world. Paired with evocative prose by award-winning poet Ocean Vuong, this volume explores the intricate dance between sight and sensation, creating an intimate meditation on color’s power to shape our perception of reality. The result is a book that blurs the lines between photography and poetry, inviting readers to see the world anew.

No Predicted End A Final Conversation Between Marina Abramović & Ulay edited by Kasper Bech Dyg (Booklab.dk, Available November 2024 | €65 | 352 pages)

This historic volume documents the last conversation between pioneering performance artists Marina Abramović and Ulay, capturing their reflections on their 1976-1988 artistic collaboration and relationship. Through text and archival imagery, the book chronicles their groundbreaking performances including "Relations in Space," "Rest Energy," and "The Great Wall Walk," alongside their final dialogue. Recorded as Ulay faced terminal illness, this intimate exchange explores their complex history, artistic legacy, and shared search for truth in both art and love. The book complements the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art's 2022 documentary film of the same name, featuring photography from multiple contributors including the Marina Abramović Archive and ULAY Foundation.

Design Excellence Defining Style by Joan Barzilay Freund, with an introduction by Asad Syrkett (Phaidon, Coming March 2025 | USD $69.95 | 296 pages)

In Defining Style, discover the essence of 25 iconic design styles, from Coastal to Maximal to Mediterranean, through the lens of 150 residential interiors curated from the world’s top designers. This inspiring lookbook provides an in-depth exploration of each style, complemented by introductory texts and vivid examples from designers like Studio Shamshiri and Laura Gonzalez. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned design enthusiast, this book is both a primer and a reference guide to the aesthetics shaping contemporary living spaces. It’s an essential tool for anyone seeking to understand how design styles have evolved and continue to inform modern interiors.

Garden Dreams The Rose Book by Phaidon Editors, with essays by Amy de la Haye, Victoria Gaiger, and Kristine Paulus (Phaidon, Coming April 2025 | USD $49.95 | 248 pages)

The rose is one of nature’s most beloved flowers, and in The Rose Book, Phaidon curates a visual feast that explores its enduring cultural significance. From ancient mosaics to fashion design and fine art, this volume presents more than 200 images depicting the rose in all its forms, offering readers a deeper understanding of its symbolism and beauty. With essays that delve into the flower’s horticultural history and its pervasive presence in art and culture, The Rose Book is a stunning tribute to this timeless bloom. Whether as a symbol of love, politics, or beauty, the rose’s influence transcends centuries, making this tome a must-have for design lovers and flower enthusiasts.

Timeless Interiors David Kleinberg by David Kleinberg, with Mayer Rus, and a foreword by Thom Browne and Andrew Bolton (Monacelli, Coming March 2025 | USD $59.95 | 288 pages); available for pre-order

Renowned interior designer David Kleinberg’s new monograph invites readers into the luxurious world of his design projects. Kleinberg offers an exclusive look at eleven recent residential projects, including never-before-seen interiors in New York, Palm Beach, and Aspen. Known for his sophisticated approach to luxury, Kleinberg’s work is a seamless blend of modern sensibilities and timeless elegance. Featuring a foreword by Thom Browne and Andrew Bolton, this volume is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in the art of interior design. Kleinberg’s projects demonstrate the fine balance between functional beauty and aesthetic harmony, making this an invaluable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts.

Curated Gardens Glorious Gardens by Dara Caponigro (Monacelli, Coming April 2025 | USD $74.95 | 340 pages); available for pre-order

Glorious Gardens offers an intimate look at the private gardens of the world’s most celebrated interior designers. From an urban oasis in New York to a lush retreat in Morocco, these gardens reflect the unique design sensibilities of their creators. With over 200 stunning images, this collection takes readers beyond interior design to explore how gardens serve as sanctuaries for inspiration. Featured designers include Veere Grenney, Michelle Nussbaumer, and Thomas O’Brien, offering a rare glimpse into their personal green spaces and design processes. This book not only highlights the beauty of outdoor spaces but also underscores the profound impact that nature has on design thinking.

Cultural Luxury Culture: The Leading Hotels of the World by Spencer Bailey, with a foreword by Pico Iyer (Monacelli, Coming July 2025 | USD $74.95 | 304 pages); available for pre-order

For the sophisticated traveler, Culture is a visual exploration of exceptional hospitality through the lens of The Leading Hotels of the World. This stunning volume showcases over 80 of the group’s member properties, offering insights into the design, cultural heritage, and artistry that make each destination unique. With contributions from acclaimed travel writers and essays by cultural figures such as Solange and Stephen Fry, this book is both a luxurious visual journey and a celebration of the art of hospitality. It’s an essential resource for anyone who seeks to understand how design and culture intersect to create unforgettable travel experiences.

These carefully curated volumes not only reflect the diversity of creativity but also capture the cultural and intellectual currents that will define the year ahead. Whether you're drawn to the disruptive world of MSCHF, the intimate beauty of floral design, or the transformative scope of interior spaces, these books stand as testament to the enduring power of print in a digital age. Select titles are available now, with the majority arriving spring 2025.

Visit Phaidon.com and Monacelli Press to explore additional cultural titles perfect for gifting and collecting.