Podcast · 20 episodes

Culture Lounge by ASSOULINE

by Assouline · English

For the last 30 years, Assouline has created books at the center of culture and luxury, covering everything from wine and watches, to fashion, lifestyle, travel, and sports. Now, we’re inviting you into our world, through a new and exciting medium. Curated by Alex Assouline, you’ll find inspiration, passion, and hopefully knowledge of something new.

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Latest episodes

Beyond The Cover With Mario Codognato "Codognato Masterpiece"The episode discusses Casa Codognato’s history and how Venice’s “water” shapes its jewelry, framed through a book by Assulin that chronicles the brand since 1866.25 Sep 2026 · 1 min

The Decisive Moment with Glenn SpiroGlenn Spiro, a self-taught master jeweler, discusses his titanium-in-Haute-joaillerie innovation, his “decisive moment” career shift to Christie’s, and how he builds kinetic, high-craft pieces like…17 Sep 2026 · 25 min

Wine & Cuisine with Jeannie Cho Lee & Chef Brian KimHow Asian (especially Korean) cuisine pairs with wine, and how wine’s acidity, tannins, body, alcohol, and structure interact with condiments, seasonings, and communal vs course-based dining.28 Aug 2026 · 35 min

All episodes

Savoir Faire: The Impossible Collection of WineThe “Impossible Collection of Wine” by Assouline—how a wine book is engineered as an object, like a real wine crate, with hand-applied historical labels and couture-level materials.14 Aug 2026 · 11 min · 5 chapters

The Decisive Moment with Ken FulkKen Fulk discusses his “decisive moment” becoming a designer, his cinematic approach to interiors, and how he builds hospitality and art spaces rooted in history and joy.31 Jul 2026 · 26 min · 13 chapters

Beyond The Cover With Deborah Calmeyer "African Adventures"Deborah Calmeyer discusses her newest Raw Africa release, African Adventures, a photo book framed as a “greatest safari on earth” journey through sub-Saharan highlights: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe),…17 Jul 2026 · 3 min · 1 chapter

Travel with Kevin Wendle and Karla Martinez de SalasAn intimate conversation on luxury travel as cultural discovery, centered on Mexico City and Hotel Asencia in the Riviera Maya.10 Jul 2026 · 28 min · 14 chapters

Beyond The Cover with Sam Robles "Football Roots"Brazilian-born photographer Sam Robles discusses his “Football Roots” project, documenting street football worldwide to preserve the game’s grassroots spirit.3 Jul 2026 · 6 min · 5 chapters

The Decisive Moment with Valentina De SantisValentina De Santis discusses how her family’s hotel legacy became world-class hospitality, focusing on Passalacqua’s “Meraviglia” (marvel/surprise) and “Villegiatura” (villa/holiday philosophy), and…26 Jun 2026 · 23 min · 10 chapters

Beyond The Cover with Daniel Arsham "The Book of HOV"Daniel Arsham discusses his “Book of HOV” project—creating a bronze slipcover for a Jay-Z career book—and how his art blurs time like “fictional archaeology.” Guest backgrounds: Daniel Arsham is a…19 Jun 2026 · 3 min · 2 chapters

Savoir Faire: Football: The Impossible CollectionThe episode discusses the “savoir-faire” behind a football collectible book called “The Impossible Collection,” focusing on tactile, sculptural cover design and the production challenge of a 3D…12 Jun 2026 · 9 min · 4 chapters

Beyond The Cover with Claiborne Swanson Frank “Father and Child”Claiborne Swanson Frank and husband Frank discuss their book Father and Child, which focuses on intimate stories and photos of accomplished fathers and their relationships with children—arguing there…5 Jun 2026 · 4 min · 2 chapters

The Decisive Moment with Simon KimSimon Kim, founder/CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, explains why he chose Korean fried chicken after building Code Korean Steakhouse (Coat), and shares his hospitality philosophy from…29 May 2026 · 21 min · 11 chapters

Beyond The Cover with Alexandra Fairweather "Living With Chamberlain"Alexandra Fairweather discusses her book Living with Chamberlain and a special edition featuring John Chamberlain’s raw materials and a 1990 print drawing.22 May 2026 · 3 min · 2 chapters

Beyond the Cover with Marylin Fitoussi "Emily in Paris: The Fashion Guide"Marylin Fitoussi, costume designer for Emily in Paris, discusses creating and opening their book Emily in Paris: The Fashion Guide, and how fashion functions as a character in the show.15 May 2026 · 4 min · 4 chapters

Savoir Faire: Basquiat: The World of Jean-MichelThe “savoir-faire” and production choices behind Pasquiat: The World of Jean-Michel, emphasizing a two-year, estate-informed research process and an “ultimate” book design that functions like a…15 May 2026 · 8 min · 3 chapters

Savoir Faire: Venice, La SerenissimaThe “Savoir-Faire” series episode explores the craft behind Assouline’s Ultimate Collection book on Venice, La Serenissima—especially how editorial choices, artisan production, and Fortuny textile…1 May 2026 · 8 min · 4 chapters

Interior Design with Stellene Volandes and Miles ReddInterior design as fashion/taste, storytelling, and brand-specific editorial vision; how to mix eras, keep rooms chic (not boring), and choose objects by desire and provenance.17 Apr 2026 · 21 min · 12 chapters

The Decisive Moment with Martine AssoulineLuxury publishing and Martine Assouline’s visual storytelling approach, especially Assouline’s colorful travel books and her “decisive moments” that led her to publishing.3 Apr 2026 · 16 min · 7 chapters

Welcome to Season 2Season 2 launch of Culture Lounge, introducing two new series and explaining what listeners can expect.20 Mar 2026 · 1 min