Golden Opulence: 500 Years of Luxuriant Style

The concept of luxury, often thought of as a modern notion, has deep historical roots, paralleling human civilization itself. Ancient societies, in their pursuit of more than just basic needs, left behind exquisite artifacts that reflect the joy of possessing unique objects. From the enchanting "turqueries" to the grandeur of the Topkapı Palace and delicate decorative arts, five centuries of luxury have continuously evolved, inspiring the present day.

This book, created in collaboration with Beymen, a Turkish luxury-fashion leader, commemorates their fiftieth anniversary and complements the Golden Opulence exhibition in Istanbul, showcasing exclusive fashion pieces by renowned designers like Alexander McQueen and Valentino. Golden Opulence, 500 Years of Luxuriant Style pays homage to Ottoman craftsmanship and emerges as an essential reference for fashion and luxury aficionados, offering a glimpse into a singular way of life that continues to captivate and inspire.

About The Author

Journalist and writer Laurence Benaïm is the author of highly regarded biographies on Yves Saint Laurent, Marie-Laure de Noailles and Jean-Michel Frank (Grasset, 2001, 2017, 2018), in addition to La Sidération (Stock, 2021) and Paris, capitale de Guerlain (Flammarion, 2021). She has written several books on fashion and style history for Assouline, including Yves Saint Laurent: The Impossible Collection (2020), Orientalism Style (2022), Carita (2022) and Guerlain: An Imperial Icon (2023).

Curious, eclectic, demanding, a dreamer and a self-taught man, Laziz Hamani is an exceptional photographer. Of Berber origin, he was born and lives in Paris. He is passionate about creating beautiful images, his life defined by a constant search for aesthetics and meaning. He has worked with many prestigious luxury brands, such as Dior, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, as well as with designer Axel Vervoordt, and he has collaborated with Assouline Publishing on more than twenty titles. From the finest details of high jewelry to the purity of minimalist design, Hamani aims to bring the viewer into dialogue with the image, to evoke power and beauty through his unique simplicity. He photographed the images for Uzbekistan: The Road to Samarkand and Uzbekistan: Living Treasures.

Book Care Guidelines

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your book, we recommend the following:

* Handle with Care: Always use clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the pages and cover.
* Protect from Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight, which may cause fading or discoloration over time.
* Store Properly: Keep books in a cool, dry place, upright on a flat surface, and away from heat or moisture.
* Dust Gently: Use a soft, dry cloth or feather duster to clean the cover and page edges.
* Open with Caution: Do not force the spine flat, especially on new books, to prevent damage to the binding.
* Avoid Food and Drinks: Keep books away from liquids and food to prevent accidental spills and stains.
* ⁠Less Spine Stress: Bookstands support the spine without forcing it flat, which helps prevent cracking or warping.

At Assouline Turkey, we’re committed to offering not just exceptional books, but exceptional service. Every order is packed with care, and we do our best to ensure a smooth, fast, and satisfying delivery experience.

Local Shipping (Turkey)

We proudly offer free shipping across Turkey.

Before 15:00 (Istanbul time) are shipped the same day

Orders placed after 15:00 ship the next business day

Delivery typically takes 1–2 business days

Tracking information is provided once your order ships

We partner with trusted couriers to ensure safe, timely delivery of every item — whether for yourself or as a gift.

International Shipping

We’re pleased to serve our international customers with a simple, flat-rate option:

2–5 business days, depending on destination

Our Promise

From packaging to delivery, we handle each order with care & love. If you need assistance at any stage, our customer support team is here to help — with warmth, speed, and attention to detail. Feel free to contact us at:

istanbul@assouline.com.tr or

+90 (530) 691 20 35

Thank you for choosing Assouline Turkey. We’re honored to be part of your library and your life.