Meet the women

Martine Assouline

HerStory

Martine Assouline was born in the Ivory Coast and grew up in Peru before moving to Europe, where she studied interior design in Switzerland and law in France. Following her studies, she worked in public relations for several companies before becoming the head of communication at Rochas, the French fashion and beauty brand. In 1994, Martine founded Assouline with her husband, Prosper, launching a luxury publishing house offering a new style of books. The company quickly became a leader within the fashion and luxury industries as a world-renowned publishing brand. Since then, Assouline has published more than 1,700 books covering art, travel, design and more, with distribution channels and branded boutiques all over the world. Today, Martine lives with her husband and their son Alexandre in New York City, where the headquarters of the company were established. She manages the editorial process of each book and works closely with her team to create the extraordinary Assouline titles. She conceptualized and developed the internationally acclaimed “Travel Series,” books that are known for their vibrant, colorful covers and highlight the most sought-after cities and locales in the world. Martine has been honored with an honorary doctorate from the Academy of Art University of San Francisco in 2009. She has also served as a co-chair for the Paris Brain Institute since 2021.

The Origin

Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple’s experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives. Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Throughout the last quarter-century, the brand has established a network of boutiques in prominent locations across the globe. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated-library service, working closely with clients to design and develop bespoke libraries. With a distinguished team of creative talents—which includes the founders’ son Alexandre—the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers and designers. Assouline continues to exude an unparalleled signature style and savoir faire, and has redefined modern international publishing.