Luster Publishing – serie

From rockers to ravers, The Illustrated Book of Songs is the book every music lover will want. In quick-witted style, Irish writer Colm Boyd navigates us through lists of classic songs for every occasion. Prepare yourself for fascinating facts, cool illustrations and withering commentary on songs presented in lists such as: Songs about Getting DumpedSongs about ProstitutionSongs about Environmental MattersSongs about Being a Complete and Utter AssholeSongs about Gender IdentityAlternative Christmas Songs The Illustrated Book of Songs features 70 lists, discussing hundreds of songs from different genres and artists - from Adele to Aretha, Jagger to Jarvis, Rufus to Rosalía. Many of the songs are well-known, others are a little more off-radar. Some have amazing musicality, some have lyrics - quite literally - worthy of a Nobel Prize. Some deal with death, others deal with zebras, one song deals with prostitute-frequenting chess players in Bangkok. You get the idea.Each of the book's lists is accompanied by a scannable Spotify code, allowing readers to use their smartphones to directly access the songs mentioned. So, time to get reading and get listening. Check out the book's website for more information: colmboyd.com/the-illustrated-book-of-songs.

For the past twenty years, photographer Mirjam Bleeker and stylist Frank Visser have travelled around the world together many times. They prefer to travel without a fixed plan, so they can be surprised by unexpected adventures and encounters. A few years ago they fell in love with South Africa. This book is an ode to South Africa's stunning nature and to its people. It's a report of Mirjam's and Frank's road trip along the coasts and through the inland, passing vast nature reserves and bustling cities. Along the way they catch up with old friends and make new ones, forging bonds for life. South Africa: A Road Trip holds beautiful photos of these inspiring people and their homes, as well as breathtaking photos of nature scenes. The book is divided into chapters corresponding with the different regions. A separate practical guide with useful addresses and tips is enclosed with the book.

Freedom, simplicity and togetherness: that’s what life is all about according to happy campers Els Sirejacob and Bram Debaenst. Those values are the reason why they love the camper van life so much; they’re also qualities you’ll recognise in Els and Bram’s work as a food stylist and food photographer. Camper Food & Stories is the result of Els and Bram’s shared passion for camper van travelling and slow cooking. It’s an ode to life on the road as well as to good, pure and flavourful food. With this book you’ll travel from the Black Forest to Denmark and from Cornwall to the Balkans. You’ll discover the most beautiful unspoilt places in Belgium and the Netherlands, and you’ll be inspired by the wonderful, dreamy travel photos and personal stories.This book is of course also about food. The recipes in it honour the local cuisine and products of each destination. The featured dishes are uncomplicated yet bursting with flavour, and made from fresh, local ingredients – like fire-baked veggies with yoghurt and mint, heart-warming slow-cooked stews, barbecued shellfish or easy and healthy breakfasts. Of course, these camper recipes are perfect for cooking at home too, with the added bonus of feeling like you’re on vacation.

This affectionate cultural guide celebrates 100 icons that make Belgium different from any other country. In 100 short, informative texts, the author talks about food, people, places, traditions, inventions, buildings, and even expressions, that have shaped what he calls ‘the strangest country in the world’. The author examines themes that are famously Belgian, like comic books, mussels served with fries, cycle racing, art nouveau architecture and rain. But he also looks at some of the off surprises of Belgian life, including vertical archery, grandmothers’ cooking, pigeon racing and the everyday expression ‘non peut-étre’ (no maybe). You will find out about the monks who brew the best beer in the world, the largest dinosaur collection ever found, the longest tram ride in the world, the curious charm of ugly Belgian houses, and how a country can survive without a government for more than 500 days. This book is not meant to be an exhaustive guide to Belgium, but a personal pick of the icons that make Belgium unique, along with a selection of useful addresses to visit. The texts are accompanied by 100 original illustrations by Antwerp illustrator Emma Verhagen that capture the unique sprit of Belgium.

Els Sirejacob and Bram Debaenst take you on their camper van travels through the most beautiful regions of Italy, sharing along the way the most delicious recipes tailored to each destination.This sequel to Camper Food & Stories is a personal record of the Italian summer road trips of food stylist Els Sirejacob and photographer Bram Debaenst, with absolutely stunning photos of their favourite spots in the Dolomites, the Veneto, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Le Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Piemonte, Liguria and the Amalfi coast. It’s also an ode to the culinary traditions and the local specialities of the regions where Els and Bram went camping. They selected the tastiest recipes from Italian cuisine that you can prepare in or near your camper van: uncomplicated dishes that simply burst with flavour, made from fresh, local ingredients, like risotto with hazelnut pesto, authentic ragù, pasta al limone, insalata di polpo or coffee zabaglione? Obviously, all these recipes can also be cooked at home, with the added bonus of feeling like you’re on vacation in the land of la dolce vita.

Tourist Modernist is a tribute to Belgium's lesser-known modernist heritage. In 2019 Gerlin Heestermans started the online heritage platform toeristmodernist.be to share her passion for beautiful modernist houses and buildings and draw attention to their heritage value and vulnerability. She outlined several architectural walks to put this special - often unprotected - heritage on the map. Now there is the Tourist Modernist guide, featuring Gerlin's 12 favourite walks along modernist gems in cities such as Ostend, Liège and Brussels, but also Eeklo, Charleroi, Tournai and Mariakerke, for example. Each walk is comprehensively described and illustrated with photos of the exterior façades and a clear map; handsome interior images offer a glimpse of the unique designs hidden behind the front doors.

"Through superb photography, nostalgic ephemera and detailed descriptions by travel journalist, Ellie Seymour, we’re treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lavish worlds these historic establishments conceal." — We HeartIn Grand Hotels of the World, travel journalist Ellie Seymour takes us on a nostalgic journey around the world to discover 40 legendary hotels that have welcomed guests in luxury and style for centuries. Through exquisite photography and detailed descriptions, we are given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lavish worlds these historic establishments conceal. From fabulous Claridge’s in London’s Mayfair and the luxurious St Regis New York, to the chic Splendido in Portofino and the timeless Villa Serbelloni on the shores of Lake Como, this book tells the fascinating stories of some of the world’s finest architectural gems and the famous guests to have sashayed through their storied corridors.

Discover the hidden beauty of some 30 mountain cabins and their distinctive architecture in this captivating book. From cosy retreats nestled in the woods to modern structures perched on cliffsides, explore the unique and innovative designs that blend seamlessly into their rugged surroundings. Follow along as renowned architects share their visions and inspirations for creating mountain cabins that not only provide shelter but also enhance the natural beauty of the landscape. Stunning photographs showcase the details of each cabin, from the materials used to the panoramic views that greet visitors. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration for your next mountain retreat, this book has you covered. The selection includes cabins in both Europe & North America and has detailed information on the hiking trails located near each featured mountain cabin.

The Belgian architectural firm Van Damme – Vandeputte was founded 5 years ago but their portfolio is impressive, featuring a wide range of architectural projects: new residential constructions tailored to the client’s needs, sustainable and high-quality renovations, interior design with special detailing, offices and corporate sites built with, among other things, great attention to the integration into the surroundings, and restorations of (protected) heritage sites. In this coffee-table book, compiled and designed with the greatest care, the architects present a selection of projects and shed light on the process and philosophy behind their oeuvre. The book is like an extension of their work and exemplifies the firm’s passion and dedication, captured in the amazing photos by Thomas De Bruyne (Cafeine). He specialises in architecture and interior design photography and works for renowned clients and firms in Belgium and abroad.

For this carefully designed coffee-table book, Petite Passport founder Pauline Egge selected 45 lovely hotels (as well as some holiday homes) across Europe. Pauline travelled from Sweden to Greece and from Portugal to the Alps, and selected unique stays with an engaging backstory, a special decor and a truly inspiring style. All photos and texts in the book were taken and written by Pauline herself and will surely inspire every design lover to draft a travel destination bucket list.

"This book is a fascinating look at a history rarely told." —The Guardian“a fascinating look at a history rarely told” — The Observer"In his new book "Around the World in 200 Globes" (Luster), he spot-lights some of the most significant and interesting, shpwing that a globe is more than a map on a ball." — Wall Street Journal“...a superb illustrator of changing boundaries and national self-regard” — Strong Words“...exquisite examples that speak to our species’ ever-shifting ideas of who we are and where we live” — National Geographic Traveler“...beautifully put together – and the photographs of the globes are straightforward but show off the magnificence of the collection admirably” — Amateur PhotographerThe Dutch architect Willem Jan Neutelings (co-founder of Neutelings Riedijk Architects) is known as the architect of, among other things, the MAS in Antwerp and the Gare Maritime in Brussels' Tour & Taxis district. Few people know, however, that Neutelings is also an avid collector who, over the years, has built up a very extensive and also very specific collection of hundreds of globes, made between 1900 and 2000. In this book, he presents his collection to the public for the first time. He selected 200 globes, each telling a very individual and interesting story about the time and place when and where they were created. Some globes bear witness to technological innovations by the way they were made, some show how advanced people’s knowledge of space was at the time, some were intended as navigational aids. Neutelings' collection includes globes in cast iron, steel, wood and even paper; some look very old and fragile, others are very colourful, and some even give off light. Each one is a beautiful and intriguing object that teaches us a lot about the ever-changing world view of mankind. This beautiful and skillfully crafted book is an ode to these stories, to the unique objects often anonymous craftsmen produced in the last century, and to the special dedication of collectors.

Peter Ivens is a buzzing and respected name in interior design. The Belgian interior architect is praised for his talent, his timeless style and impeccable realisations. His designs often come about in close collaboration with his partner in crime Bea Mombaers. The two of them have been working together intensively for over a decade, without really dividing their roles in the classic way, blurring the lines between architecture and decoration. For Ivens each house tells its own personal story. ‘Custom-made' is a core value in his oeuvre: he tailors each home to the specific needs and personality of its residents. No bells and whistles, no loud, showy signature, but silent luxury stemming from a special, sophisticated choice of materials and a unique sense of space. Ivens’ portfolio is prestigious and diverse, yet his style is recognisable. This beautiful coffee-table book, in which each chapter is dedicated to a different house, is the perfect proof. Except for a brief introduction by design journalist Sisse Bro, the photos by Eefje De Coninck and Senne Van der Ven do all the talking, showcasing Ivens’ universe in the most classy and inspiring way.

“...reignited a passion to explore the lesser-known parts of one of Europe’s most easily accessible countries” — Beer in the City“This is more than a guide; it's a beautiful spellbook that animates some of the most singular, compelling, and evocative beers ever brewed.” — Kate Bernot (Director of the North American Guild of Beer Writers, and beer writer with bylines at The New York Times, The Washington Post, Imbibe Magazine, and Thrillist).“More than a guidebook, this elegantly-written, deeply researched book gets right to the heart of Europe’s most fascinating brewing culture.” — Will Hawkes (Beer, food, and travel journalist with bylines at The Washington Post, Financial Times, Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, and Daily Telegraph, among others)"No country has more wonderful yet obscure beers than Belgium, and no one in as good a position to reveal them as Kearney and Joanna." — Jeff Alworth (Author of The Beer Bible, The Secrets of Master Brewers, and The Widmer Way).Under the hood of Belgium’s famous beer scene, beyond the big-name brands, exists a trove of breweries and blenderies producing lesser-known but extraordinary beers. For drinkers, these hidden beers are often difficult to discover because of language barriers, Belgian beer’s complex culture, and just the overwhelming number of beers in Belgium. That is, until now.Writer Breandán Kearney and photographer Ashley Joanna have profiled 24 of the most exciting Belgian beers which you likely never knew existed. Learn how each beer was made and why it tastes the way it does. Get to know the diverse places these beers are from and the fascinating people who make them. Read their inspiring stories and navigate this landscape of hidden beers with tips for where you can try them.These hidden beers showcase all the reasons that Belgium is the greatest beer nation in the world. Discover them here. And then, go out there and find them.

The Little Book of Solitude invites you to embrace silence and create space to breathe, unwind, reflect, and create—free from the expectations of the outside world.Inspired by the lives of great thinkers, artists, writers, and philosophers, photographer Joost Joossen explores the many benefits of solitude. The Little Book of Solitude is a carefully curated collection of inspiring stories, quotes, and insights from 55 extraordinary individuals who harnessed the power of solitude. Among them are Nelson Mandela, James Dean, Edward Hopper, Immanuel Kant, Marina Abramović, Pina Bausch, David Lynch, Buddha, Frida Kahlo, Marcus Aurelius, and Marie Kondō.Whether you seek a reset or are simply curious about the lives of these remarkable minds, this book reveals how solitude can fuel creativity, restore balance, and enrich your life..

“Imaginative and stylish, this Wes Anderson-inspired book is a must-have for car enthusiasts” — (Knightsbridge, Autumn 2024)“An ideal purchase for any car lovers in your life” — Amateur Photographer“the perfect gift for car fanatics” — Elle Decoration“Car industry – make Mr Francois head of concept immediately” — Strong Words“‘Mr Francois’ turns wild ideas into extraordinary images” — Classic & Sports Car Magazine"Funny, imaginative, and good-looking: this little book with its Wes Anderson vibe is perfect for car enthusiasts or anyone who’s intrigued by AI-creation" — New DesignWhat if the world's leading car manufacturers had secretly started building totally surprising models? With the help of artificial intelligence, Mr. François (François Mercier) set out on a fun and creative journey to find answers to this question. The Brussels-based film director and photographer trained himself to become a ‘promptographer’: someone who creates images with the help of artificial intelligence, starting from a prompt, which is a number of words describing the image. So the images of cars in this book aren’t photographs in the true sense, because they don’t show reality. They do, however, look very realistic, showing cars that don’t exist but could perfectly have existed. Or maybe even should have. What if, for example, Ferrari had made a camper van? Or what if Lamborghini had built a school bus? Or what if you could drive a luxurious six-seater limousine that’s a Mini? This book shows us what these outside-the-box car creations would look like in astonishing realistic-looking and aesthetic photos. Funny, imaginative, and good-looking: this little book is the perfect gift for car enthusiasts or anyone who’s intrigued by AI-creations.

Paris is the physical memory of seven World Expos that took place in the city from 1855 to 1937. These Expos left behind monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, the Grand and Petit Palais... But many traces are more subtle: your suitcase today is an evolution of the trunk Louis Vuitton won a gold medal with at Paris’ Exposition Universelle in 1867, and the typical Parisian bistro chairs were designed during those years when a multitude of cafés and restaurants flourished because of the Expos, including icons like Le Procope.A cocktail of travel guide and history book, Nobody Sits Like the French tells these stories and many more, pointing out the marks the Expos left behind. From now on, you’ll know that every time you sip a glass of burgundy, drink from Baccarat crystal, admire a Manet or a Gauguin, and even enjoy the benefits of a working sewer system in Paris, you owe it to a World Expo there.

“ It brings to life a word that has brought the people of Japan objectivity, authenticity and peace” —The Japan SocietyWhen visiting Japan, one of the first things that stand out is the calm and respectful way the Japanese behave. A weaver meditatively repeats the exact same movement a thousand times a day, while the tea master dedicates every serene gesture to the harmony of the room. Although in the West we might find it hard to explain this mindful way of moving, the Japanese have a word for it: shosa.In this book, journalist Ringo Gomez and photographer Rob Walbers portray 12 Japanese makers from different regions. From a bamboo weaver to a tatami mat maker, from a ceramist to a Zen monk. Ringo and Rob visited these makers in their workshops and made in-depth portraits in words and pictures. In this book, they report on their journey through Japan, hoping to uncover the complex meaning of shosa through the hands of Japanese makers.

Green is the new black according to Belgium-based garden architects Bart Haverkamp and Pieter Croes. It’s been more than 30 years now since they turned their love for nature into a business. During this time, they’ve completed countless and diverse garden projects, built up an enormous amount of experience and expanded their knowledge. Their method and philosophy evolved accordingly, resulting into their sought-after signature style. Their gardens – many of them on small plots, terraces or rooftops in the city – are anything but clean and fixed: rough outlines and plant selections are made beforehand, but they trust their intuition to make spontaneous decisions on the spot.In this carefully curated and thoughtfully designed photo book, Bart and Pieter reflect on their work. Their aim is to share their vision and experience and to inspire all gardeners by showing how much is possible when you’re willing to let nature take its course. In this book, Bart and Pieter put their philosophy into words, as an introduction to 20 extensive and inspiring photo reports of their favourite or most important garden projects so far. The third part of the book holds short descriptions of these projects and useful advice on, for example, how to make your garden heat-resistant.

"Van Hulle is not an interior designer but an interior artist. He understands the art of transforming the soul of the occupants into the soul of a house." - Elle DecoGrand Interiors is an immersive ‘grand tour’ of Geoffroy Van Hulle's grandiose interiors. The Belgian decorator gives us a look inside exuberant private homes, from Knokke to New York. In his unpretentious interiors, he sprinkles generously with colours, patterns and exoticism. ‘Nowhere in my interiors is the distance to a bookcase, fireplace or bar cabinet more than five steps,’ he says. With the bravura of his teachers Cecil Beaton and David Hicks, he designs dazzling sets for everyday theatre. Please welcome on stage, mister Geoffroy Van Hulle and his Grand Interiors!

Concrete Homes is a stunning collection of inspiring brutalist interiors, carefully selected and photographed by visual creative Pieter Peulen. This book showcases remarkable homes that embrace the raw beauty of brutalist architecture, where concrete is softened by the warmth of wood and thoughtfully curated design objects. Each project is briefly introduced, but the true essence of these spaces is captured through Peulen’s striking photography. Concrete Homes is a visual journey into the refined side of brutalism, offering inspiration for design enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

To mark its 15th anniversary, watch brand Ressence will publish Ahead of Time. Whilst Ressence is a luxury watch brand, this is no homage to the industry - instead the title profiles creatives across a range of fields whose work embodies the Ressence philosophy: to re-imagine the essential. In the book, entrepreneurial visionaries share their perspectives on the future within their respective fields creating an inspiring, collectable volume that offers a positive, informed perspective on where we are all heading.Former Monocle journalist Nolan Giles interviews Daniel Libeskind, Joe Gebbia, Stefan Sagmeister, Tony Fadell (Nest), Ivy Ross (Google), Spencer Bailey (journalist, co-founder of The Slowdown), Tina Fordham (geopolitical strategist and adviser), Phil Schiller (Apple), and 12 others.

For 25 years, the Belgian design studio and production workshop Minus has been creating timeless interiors that exude calm, simplicity, and aesthetic refinement. To mark their anniversary, they have compiled 25 inspiring projects into one elegant book, presented in chronological order. The Essence of Living is an ode to minimalism: light tones, thoughtful materials, and a seemingly effortless harmony between function and form. Through extensive photo essays and concise explanatory texts, this stylish volume offers a glimpse into the subtle evolution of Minus’s signature style over the years. Carefully curated and beautifully produced, this book is a source of inspiration and tranquility for admirers of understated interiors, architectural purists, and design professionals alike.

In addition to being an entrepreneur (Komono, Le Rub) and brand creator, Raf Maes is also a photographer and a devoted lover of Italy. During his travels along the coasts of Amalfi, Sicily, and other stunning corners of the peninsula, his Leica is always around his neck. What Maes’s eye perceives, he captures in a way that is uniquely his own: dreamlike, slightly mysterious, and framed to reveal not everything, but the essence. Light always plays the leading role. Over the years, Maes has built a loyal following and an Instagram audience of more than 18K followers. This beautiful photo book brings together his finest images. There is little text, though each location is identified in a separate section at the back, making the book not only a visual journey, but also a source of inspiration for your next trip to Italy.

Red Flags is a visual field guide to modern behaviour — part satire, part mirror, and part survival manual. Created by Belgian designer and visual storyteller Bart Kiggen, the book unpacks the characters, archetypes, and micro-cultures that shape our digital and emotional lives. From the Ghoster to the Apex Pretender, from the Brand Messiah to the Yuppie Mephistopheles, each red flag is drawn, described, and decoded with wit and precision. Blending staged photography, cultural critique, and design, Red Flags turns online performance into visual anthropology. It examines how attention became identity and how charisma, care, or confidence can all tip into manipulation.Each portrait is both absurd and familiar, reminding us that the red flags we recognise in others often reflect our own. In this carefully composed and conceptually sharp book, Bart Kiggen uses imagery, humour, and typography to explore the psychology of the age of exposure. Red Flags invites readers to look closer, laugh more softly, and perhaps notice a few signals in themselves before it’s too late.