Louis Vuitton and Taschen want to help you experience the thrills and extravagance of more than a century of America’s Cup races from the comfort of your library.
The LVMH-owned French fashion house and the German publisher have teamed up to create a detailed, high-design monograph on the world’s oldest international sports competition. The duo actually made three editions of America’s Cup, two of which will be produced in a limited quantity for added exclusivity.
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The tome traces the evolution of the Cup, from the initial race off the coast of England in 1851 to the latest 37th defender-versus-challenger contest held in October 2024. Over the past two centuries, the Cup has transitioned into a high-tech, high-profile, and high-dollar racing series akin to Formula 1. That rich, 170-year history has been artfully packaged up into one coffee table book.
With a collection of rare, previously unpublished photographs, technical drawings, and detailed data, the hardcover offers a behind-the-scenes look at the prestigious race. It also spotlights the major players, from the contenders to the owners to the skippers. Sports journalist Giuseppe (Pino) Allievi spent six years researching and curating content, and also edited the copy.
The book itself doubles as a piece of art, with multidisciplinary designer Marc Newson expanding beyond the typical paper and cardboard for the limited editions. The Australian paid homage to the 75-foot foiling yachts that race in the Cup, incorporating several sailing-related touches. The cover of the Limited Edition is crafted from cotton sailcloth and fitted with a custom Louis Vuitton metal closure system. (Vuitton has been the main sponsor of the challenger series since 1983 and has also been inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame.) The Marc Newson Art Edition also includes a carbon-fiber bookstand that resembles the keel of a sailboat.
“We are telling this thrilling saga of sailing tradition and innovation through exquisite imagery and first-hand testimonies from around the world,” Taschen CEO Marlene Taschen said in a statement. “Marc Newson’s stupendous design once again elevates the whole thing to new heights.”
America’s Cup Limited Edition is limited to 825 copies and priced at $3,000, while America’s Cup Marc Newson Art Edition is limited to 175 copies and costs $15,000. The publisher is also releasing a general-trade edition at a comparatively modest price of €125 (or about $145). All books will be available in September.
Click here to see all the photos of America’s Cup.
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