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As the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix took place in Shanghai toward the end of March, the sense of momentum extended beyond the circuit alone, with the city becoming a hub for a broader blend of fashion, motorsport, and brand spectacle. Taking advantage of Formula 1’s return, BOSS decided this was the perfect time to open its first halo store in China, using race week not just as a backdrop but as a key part of the store’s launch story.
To mark the opening, BOSS partnered with Aston Martin and hosted a high-profile event that brought together Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll alongside a carefully selected group of VIPs, industry insiders, and cultural figures. Guests were guided past an imposing, multi-storey façade before entering a space designed to reflect the shared values of both brands, where motorsport-inspired installations and immersive elements blurred the lines between retail environment and race-week experience.
The timing of the launch was intentional, aligning closely with the debut of the BOSS Spring/Summer 2025 capsule, which was introduced during the lead-up to the Grand Prix rather than as a standalone fashion moment. Built around the idea of “sophistication in motion,” the collection draws inspiration from performance cues, precision engineering, and the spirit of warm-weather travel, emphasizing why the collaboration with Aston Martin feels less like a marketing exercise and more like a natural blending of two brands driven by design, movement, and modern luxury.
Set within Shanghai’s Jing’an Kerry Centre for the duration of the Chinese Grand Prix, the halo store was designed as an experience rather than a traditional retail space, emphasizing the shared performance between BOSS and Aston Martin. Visitors encountered a series of statement installations that immediately highlighted the motorsport connection, including a full-scale Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team car positioned as the visual centrepiece, alongside a high-fidelity racing simulator that put guests directly in the driver’s seat.
While the spectacle naturally drew attention, the clothing remained a key part of the experience, with the menswear capsule prominently positioned at the front of the store. The collection showcases a clear focus on wearability balanced with technical innovation, combining lightweight construction with performance-driven materials suited for movement, travel, and everyday life. The range includes outerwear, knitwear, and elevated essentials, such as water-resistant bombers, refined silk-blend polo shirts, and relaxed hoodies made from twisted cotton, all unified by a clean, modern aesthetic.
Instead of relying on obvious branding or statement graphics, the capsule focuses on fabric quality, construction, and detail, letting the design speak softly but confidently. The outcome feels refined and intentional, reinforcing the idea that this collaboration is built on shared values rather than superficial crossover appeal. The collection is available through BOSS’ official channels and select stores worldwide for those interested in exploring it further.
BOSS x Aston Martin | Image: Hugo Boss
BOSS x Aston Martin | Image: Hugo Boss
BOSS x Aston Martin | Image: Hugo Boss
BOSS x Aston Martin | Image: Hugo Boss
Although the Chinese Grand Prix weekend and the halo store activation are now behind us, the collaboration itself continues through the BOSS x Aston Martin Spring/Summer 2025 capsule, which carries the momentum of the launch beyond Shanghai. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll appear in the accompanying campaign, presenting the latest apparel alongside carefully composed imagery featuring the Aston Martin Vantage, a pairing that highlights the shared focus on precision, performance, and modern luxury without overstatement.
The official opening on 19 March set the tone for that story, with BOSS hosting an invitation-only evening that gathered a diverse group of VIPs, industry leaders, influencers, and cultural figures. The event was designed as an extension of the store experience itself, with guests welcomed into the space and served food and drinks by BOSS CAFÉ, marking the brand’s first café concept in China and further establishing the halo store as a destination rather than a temporary display.
Beyond the main attractions inside the store, the evening also held a moment of symbolic importance closely linked to Formula 1. During the event, BOSS unveiled a newly designed helmet livery created for Fernando Alonso, which he later wore during the race weekend, enhancing the connection between the collaboration and on-track competition. For a smaller group of invited guests, the night extended well past the store opening, with an exclusive after-party held at the Peninsula Hotel’s rooftop Palace Suite and Terrace.
Those interested in exploring the campaign further can view the imagery through BOSS’s official channels, while the Spring/Summer 2025 collection is available via the brand’s website, hugoboss.com, BOSS boutiques worldwide, and a selection of authorized retail partners.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.
A man’s space says a lot about him — the details, the choices, and the pieces he displays. Few things elevate a room quite like a well-chosen coffee table book. These aren’t just decorative items; they markers of taste, curiosity, and the worlds you’re interested in. The right book can start a conversation as soon as guests walk in, invite someone to slow down for a moment, or simply add depth to a space that feels both lived-in and intentional.
This collection features 15 books every modern man should own — a diverse mix of culture, design, travel, art, photography, and compelling stories. From the raw humanity of New York’s streets to the bold geometry of Ricardo Bofill, and from African surf culture to the serenity of Axel Vervoordt’s interiors, each book adds a unique layer of personality to your home. Place them on your table, shelf, or office desk — trust me, these are the kinds of books people reach for the moment they see them.
Dear New York by Brandon Stanton | Image: Supplied
1. Dear New York
Author: Brandon Stanton
Published: October 7, 2025
Genre: Photography / Human Stories / Contemporary Culture
Why Must Have: A powerful, human portrait of New York told through real voices, genuine emotion and beautifully composed imagery — the kind of book that elevates any room and sparks conversation instantly.
Brandon Stanton has spent years to capturing the soul of New York, and Dear New York feels like the culmination of that journey. The book brings together intimate portraits and personal stories that show the city in a way only Stanton can — honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. Each page offers a quiet moment of connection, reminding you how many lives and emotions flow through a single place. It’s beautifully arranged, visually rich, and rooted in real experience.
rand Prix: An Illustrated History Of Formula 1 by Will Buxton | Image: Supplied
2. Grand Prix: An Illustrated History Of Formula 1
Author: Will Buxton
Published: August 13, 2024
Genre: Motorsport / Illustrated History / Formula 1
Why Must Have: A dynamic visual journey through the evolution of F1, conveyed with energy, insight, and the unmistakable voice of one of the sport’s most trusted storytellers.
If you’re a Formula 1 fan, this is the book you keep within arm’s reach. Will Buxton chronicles the sport’s defining eras with striking imagery and sharp, engaging commentary, capturing everything that makes F1 irresistible — the speed, the rivalries, the engineering breakthroughs, and the legends who shaped the grid. It’s bold, beautifully crafted, and perfectly suited for any space where motorsport and style meet.
Legendary Guitars: Explore the World’s Most Legendary Guitars by Julien Bitoun | Image: Supplied
3. Legendary Guitars: Explore the World’s Most Legendary Guitars
Author: Julien Bitoun
Published: October 28, 2025
Genre: Music / Photography / Cultural History
Why Must Have: A detailed, visually rich celebration of the most iconic guitars ever made — perfect for anyone who values craftsmanship, music history, and timeless design.
Some books earn their place on a coffee table simply by their presence, and this one certainly does. “Legendary Guitars” features the instruments that shaped rock, blues, jazz, and everything in between — each photographed carefully and paired with details that encourage you to pause and appreciate craftsmanship more deeply. Any musician or guitarist will value this on their coffee table. It combines history, design, and culture in an effortlessly cool way, making it a distinctive addition to any refined living space.
The Men’s Fashion Book by Phaidon | Image: Supplied
4. The Men’s Fashion Book
Author:Phaidon Phaidon Editors
Published: December 01, 2021
Genre: Fashion / Design / Visual Culture
Why Must Have: A comprehensive, visually captivating guide to the designers, icons, and movements that shaped men’s style across generations.
The Men’s Fashion Book is a statement piece in every sense. Bold, beautifully curated, and rich with imagery, it traces the evolution of menswear from classic tailoring to modern streetwear, highlighting the creative minds and cultural shifts that defined each era. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just decorate a space — it reinforces an appreciation for craftsmanship, individuality, and the enduring impact of good design.
Complex Presents: Sneaker Of The Year: The Best Since ’85 by Complex Media | Image: Supplied
5. Complex Presents: Sneaker Of The Year: The Best Since ’85
Author: Complex Media
Published: October 20, 2020
Genre: Sneakers / Pop Culture / Design
Why Must Have: A definitive overview of the sneakers that influenced culture, style, and hype over almost forty years — a must-read for any man interested in design and streetwear history.
There’s no guy out there who wouldn’t love to have this laying around on their side, and Sneaker of the Year does just that. It explores the most influential releases since 1985, highlighting the stories, designers, and cultural moments behind each pair. From Jordan legends to modern collaborations, the book combines striking visuals with insightful commentary, making it both a nostalgia trip and a style guide. Whether you collect sneakers or simply admire their cultural impact, this book adds a fresh, contemporary touch to any coffee table.
New York After Dark by Roger Padilha | Image: Supplied
6. New York After Dark
Author: Roger Padilha
Published: September 03, 2023
Genre: Photography / Nightlife / Urban Culture
Why Must Have: A captivating glimpse of the city that never sleeps, captured through atmospheric nighttime imagery and the unmistakable energy of New York after hours.
There’s something magnetic about New York at night, and New York After Dark captures that energy with style. Roger Padilha shows a city defined by neon, shadows, and movement — a portrait that feels intimate, cinematic, and lively. This is the kind of book that adds atmosphere and character to any room. It brings texture, attitude, and a sense of story, making it a standout piece for anyone who appreciates the rhythm of urban culture after dark.
Why Must Have: A beautifully sincere examination of creativity, discipline, and the development of a modern photographic icon.
The book provides a rare invitation into the world behind the images — the early struggles, the defining shoots, and the lessons learned along the way. It includes insights on lighting, composition, and creative decision-making alongside personal stories that reveal the mindset needed to create truly lasting work. Rich in detail and rooted in experience, At Work adds depth and sophistication to any space, making it a perfect choice for men who value mastery and the craft behind iconic photography.
Cereal City Guides: Paris by Rosa Park | Image: Supplied
8. Cereal City Guides: Paris
Author: Rosa Park & Rich Stapleton
Published: August 16, 2022
Genre: Travel / Lifestyle / Design
Why Must Have: A beautifully curated look at Paris through design, culture, and minimal elegance — perfect for men who value thoughtful travel and clean aesthetics.
This guide distills Paris to its most thoughtful moments: the cafés perfect for a leisurely morning, the architecture that rewards quiet observation, and the shops, galleries, and streets that capture the city’s understated charm. With Cereal’s signature minimalist photography and clean layout, the book exudes calm, style, and intention. It’s the sort of piece that effortlessly rests on a coffee table and signals a taste for meaningful travel, design appreciation, and a more subdued, refined view of the world’s most romantic city.
Why Must Have: A visually rich archive of iconic album art that shaped music history, design culture and the way entire generations discovered sound.
Album covers have always been more than just packaging — they’re a snapshot of the era, the mood, and the artist’s vision. 1000 Record Covers brings that world to life, collecting some of the most influential designs from the ’60s through the ’90s in a single, beautifully curated volume. The book combines nostalgia with visual storytelling, making it a standout piece for anyone who appreciates music, art direction, and timeless graphic design. It adds character to any room and instantly attracts people for a closer look.
Young, Gifted And Black – A New Generation Of Artists: The Lumpkin-boccuzzi Family Collection Of Contemporary Art by Antwaun Sargent | Image: Supplied
10. Young, Gifted And Black – A New Generation Of Artists
Author: Antwaun Sargent
Published: September 22, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Art / Culture / Photography
Why Must Have: A bold, visually compelling celebration of emerging Black artists who are reshaping the landscape of contemporary art.
This collection brings together a new generation of painters, photographers, sculptors and multidisciplinary creators whose work carries both cultural weight and creative freedom. Antwaun Sargent curates the selection with precision, highlighting artists who challenge traditional narratives while pushing the boundaries of form, colour and storytelling. The result is a book that feels alive, forward-looking and deeply rooted in artistic evolution.
This book is vibrant, future-oriented, and deeply connected to artistic growth. When placed on a coffee table, “Young, Gifted and Black” adds a contemporary, energetic touch to any space. It demonstrates appreciation for emerging voices, new viewpoints, and the rising talents shaping the future of art history.
Why Must Have: A vibrant and colourful tribute to African surf culture that adds personality and style to any space.
There’s an instant sense of freedom in this book — sun-soaked coastlines, vibrant surfboards, fearless talent, and a vibe that makes you want to grab a towel and run straight into the water. It captures the rhythm of beach life across Africa in a fun, energetic and full of character, blending bold photography with stories that bring the culture to life. Drop this on a coffee table, and you’ll see guests flipping through it right away; the colours, the waves, the attitude — all of it hits with the playfulness and spirit that every space needs.
Apollo VII-XVII: Revised & Extended Edition by Floris Heyne | Image: Supplied
12. Apollo VII-XVII: Revised & Extended Edition – Floris Heyne
Author: Floris Heyne, Joel Meter, Simon Phillipson & Delano van der Heide
Published: September 16, 2019 (Revised & Extended Edition)
Genre: Space / Photography / History
Why Must Have: A stunning, carefully restored visual record of NASA’s Apollo missions — a must-have for anyone who admires exploration, engineering, and human ambition.
This revised edition presents the Apollo era with extraordinary clarity, offering a collection of photographs that seem both historic and almost surreal in their detail. From the training grounds on Earth to the stillness of the lunar surface, each image captures the scale, bravery, and precision behind each mission. The curation is sharp and immersive, allowing you to trace the journeys of astronauts who pushed the limits of possibility and reshaped humanity’s role in the universe.
And trust me — when you have guests over, this is the type of book people reach for without hesitation. Everyone is curious about what exists beyond our world, and this edition captures that sense of awe in a way few books can. It reflects curiosity, respect for innovation, and an appreciation for the men who stepped off our planet and into the unknown. A true conversation starter with visual impact.
Axel Vervoordt: Portraits Of Interiors by Axel Vervoordt & Michael Gardner | Image: Supplied
13. Axel Vervoordt: Portraits Of Interiors – Axel Vervoordt & Michael Gardner
Author: Axel Vervoordt & Michael Gardner
Published: November 5, 2019
Genre: Interior Design / Architecture / Art
Why Must Have: A serene, beautifully photographed exploration of timeless interiors from one of the most influential tastemakers in the world.
There’s something quietly powerful about Axel Vervoordt’s work, and this book captures that spirit perfectly. Each interior feels calm, intentional, and deeply connected to its surroundings — spaces built with natural materials, soft lighting, and an artist’s eye for balance. The photography is warm and atmospheric, drawing you into rooms that feel lived-in yet impeccably curated. This is the definition of understated luxury, the kind that speaks without ever needing to raise its voice.
Ricardo Bofill (New Edition) Visions of Architecture by Gestalten, Ricardo Bofill, Pablo Bofill | Image: Supplied
14. Ricardo Bofill (New Edition): Visions of Architecture
Author: Ricardo Bofill & Gestalten
Published: May 28, 2025 (New Edition)
Genre: Architecture / Design / Visual Culture
Why Must Have: A bold, visually striking journey through Ricardo Bofill’s groundbreaking work — a perfect contrast to Axel Vervoordt’s calm, understated interiors, offering your coffee table the best of two design worlds.
If Vervoordt’s interiors express tranquillity and balance, Bofill’s architecture introduces drama. This edition highlights the monumental scale, sculptural geometry, and dreamlike structures that define his vision—buildings that seem pulled from a cinematic universe. The photography captures every striking angle: concrete labyrinths, surreal housing complexes, and vast forms that challenge conventional design. Positioned alongside the serene aesthetic of Vervoordt’s work, Bofill’s world adds contrast, energy, and artistic tension to your coffee table, creating a compelling combination of design inspiration and visual storytelling.
Il Dolce Far Niente The Italian Way of Summer by Lucy Laucht | Image: Supplied
15. Il Dolce Far Niente: The Italian Way of Summer
Author: Lucy Laucht Published: 2023 Genre: Travel / Lifestyle / Photography Why Must Have: A sun-drenched tribute to Italian summer living — relaxed style, seaside charm, and mastering the art of slowing down.
Few things feel as inviting as an Italian summer, and this book captures that atmosphere with calm, understated elegance. The pages take you through sunlit coastlines, quiet piazzas, vintage beach clubs, and the unhurried afternoons that define il dolce far niente — the sweet pleasure of doing nothing. The photography is warm and nostalgic, highlighting a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, charm, and the joy of small, meaningful moments. Placed on a coffee table, it brings light, colour, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe that complements the bold architecture of Bofill and the serene interiors of Vervoordt.
We have created this list with intention, taste, and an understanding of what genuinely elevates a man’s space. Every book here earns its place through design, storytelling, and cultural relevance. We look for pieces that add depth, spark conversations, and reflect the interests of men who care about style, craftsmanship, and the world around them. From photography and architecture to motorsport, fashion, and travel, each title offers something meaningful. These aren’t just books — they’re extensions of personality, chosen to make your home feel thoughtful, confident, and unmistakably yours.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
