When it comes to glamour and high style on the seas, there’s nothing more captivating than the Aquarama. Dreamed up by the legendary Carlo Riva, the run-about wooden speedboat has become an icon of Italian design and the Riva Aquarama book, edited by Assouline, celebrates its 60th Anniversary. Beloved for its clean lines, mahogany, glistening chrome details and signature robin’s egg-blue and cream upholstery, the Aquarama reflected la dolce vita optimism of early-‘60s Italy; it’s impossible to picture the glittering Côte d’Azur and coasts of Europe without visions of endless summers spent lounging on the back of the boat in the warm summer sun, and the gentle roar of the engine as the Aquarama cuts through the surf.The Riva icon enjoyed a mythical status and was beloved by movie stars, heads of state and royalty—everyone from Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Gunter Sachs and the royal family of Monaco, among countless other luminaries, have been enchanted by the Aquarama’s spell. Of the about 760 completed Aquaramas made in the Sarnico shipyard, Riva experts estimate around 650 are still in existence, which only adds to the boat’s legendary status. But more than just a trophy, the Aquarama is fiercely beloved by its owners and enthusiasts alike—it’s not just a boat, but the realization of a dream. In this exceptional tribute to the Aquarama, author Michael Verdon tells the story of the legendary boat and brings to life its dolce vita charm. The book is also offered in a special edition, presented in a luxury mahogany box that is crafted to express the beauty of the Aquarama’s magnificent hull. This special edition offers owners, collectors and enthusiasts alike a piece of the Riva dream.Complimentary white gloves and a signature canvas tote bag are included with each purchase from Assouline's Ultimate Collection
Availability
2 to 4 weeks
Environment
Indoor
Brand
MAXALTO
Technical information
Page count
208 pages
Number of illustrations
over 200
Language
English
Released on
September 2022
Dimensions
W 20 x L 22 x D 4 in
Cover materials
Varnished wood hardcover in a luxury
rubber clamshell case with metal tip-on
ISBN
9781649800664
Weight
28.5 lb
Brand: Assouline
A WORD FROM THE FOUNDERSWe created this company to be the first luxury brand on culture. We wanted to supply everything for a contemporary library; we started working with top perfumers for scented candles, with Goyard for a book trunk, with Chanel on a quilted leather slipcase, and so on. Now we are expanding the Assouline lifestyle brand in stores in the most important cities of the world. We love and believe in books more than everything else, but we also want to extend our vision to create all that can be expected in a chic and personalized library, from beautiful books and special editions to luxury gift items, unique library accessories, and now a complete turnkey collection of stylish furniture. Our digital world goes faster than ever and nothing remains of it, but books are the solid part of our past and present. They also are beauty. For us, books are a matter of intellect and emotion, of heritage and innovation. Because information is not only about today, and the past is a sensational source of inspiration.-Prosper & Martine AssoulineTHE BRANDFounded 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 of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations across the globe. Assouline has also inaugurated a curated library service, working closely with clients to visualize, design, and develop bespoke, one-of-a-kind 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 elegant savoir faire, which has globally redefined modern publishing.