Idea Books

When I die and go to bookshop heaven, i hope it looks like Idea Books.
IDEA stands for the family initials (mom, dad and two pre-​teen daughters) the daughters thought of it, how cute?! and they have a permanent London home in the basement of the super cool department store-​cum-​market Dover Street (when I die and go to retail heaven, I hope it looks like…)
They have a RIDICULOUSLY amazing selection of fashion, art, pop culture books and magazines, mostly vintage, being bought and sold like rare objects (and at that high rare object price) many of which are out of my price range but that doesnt stop me spending hours in there browsing… and buying some of the cheaper bits.
The Mommy has an image archive blog called September Fifteen where she posts interesting pictures that she find while perusing through their collection and the Daddy often mans their many pop-​up book shops for 12 hours stretches. The last one they had was at the exclusive St Martins Lane hotel…
When I heard Marc Jacobs was opening a bookshop in NYC, I knew they would be involved and sure enough, they’re in there. They also stock at Cerrutis in Paris.
Items I have bought from Idea Books:
American Family Style by Mary Randolph Carter (foreword by Ralph Lauren) £35 — Great book on how to achieve that homespun Yank style.
Sherilyn Fenn by Dolce and Gabbana — a special edition box of prints from the Twin Peaks stars appearance in their ad campigns. Its covered in white taffeta with a sheet of white lace. A true bargain at £75!!! I almost screamed with excitement!!!
South Beach Stories (Versace in Miami) — £120
Legendary book of Gianni Versaces Miami collection, largely shot by Doug Ordway with some Bruce Weber contributions and original sketches from the collection. Sublime!
Good one for gift shopping for your artsy fashion friend…