On a particularly chilly Monday in February, an unusually large crowd gathered at Argosy Book Store, the cherished century-old Manhattan shop run by three sisters and one of their sons—a true family business started by the sisters’ father. There, model Bhavitha Mandava picked up an advance copy of Nebraska, the upcoming debut novel from Monica Datta. “You wrote this?” she asked Datta, who was seated nearby on a stool. That warm, inquisitive spirit set the tone as we captured this tribute to New York City’s vibrant, ever-changing literary scene, where a New York City Ballet dancer might pass time between rehearsals with a well-worn paperback, while across town, Farrar, Straus and Giroux publisher Mitzi Angel chats with her husband, poet Frederick Seidel, at Le Veau D’Or.

As they sat together, Angel and Seidel were deep in conversation about a book that had captivated them: an upcoming history of the telephone, due out this fall, which reveals the surprising intrigue behind the invention. “Lots of skulduggery,” Seidel added with a wink. Nearby, cheerfully shuttling dishes back and forth for the photographer, was Chef Charles Izenstein, one of the minds behind Frenchette who is now breathing new life into the historic Le Veau D’Or—a favorite haunt of illustrator Hilary Knight, whose line drawings still adorn the bistro’s wood-paneled walls. An enthusiastic reader himself, Chef Charlie has lately been revisiting youth favorites, reading his old adolescent pick My Side of the Mountain to his eight-month-old son, alongside more age-appropriate choices like Little Blue Truck.

This shoot was inspired by the growing number of people swapping the pale glow of screens for the tangible pleasure of ink and paper. We’ve spotted it everywhere: on the subway, in coffee shop lines, before shows, even at bars. It feels like part of a broader weariness with apps—a shift toward more hands-on experiences, whether it’s traditional matchmaking over algorithm-driven dating, art cafes where friends create together in real life, or choosing books based on friends’ recommendations rather than digital suggestions.

In many ways, you could view this feature as a sneak peek at our own reading recommendations for the year ahead. “There are so many exciting books on our horizon,” says Sarah Jessica Parker, a 2025 Booker Prize judge (among her many roles). Here, she’s immersed in the highly anticipated Country People by Daniel Mason, “a story about a young family who move to a small Vermont town just across the Massachusetts border from Oakfield, the setting of Mason’s North Woods. It’s lyrical, joyful, and if you loved this author and North Woods like so many, this one feels like a cocoon—exactly where you want to be as a devoted reader.” Needless to say, we encourage a visit to your local bookstore or library to pick up a copy of this title, or any others you might discover here, in person.

In this story:
Hair by Tamara McNaughton
Makeup by Jamal Scott
Manicurist, Mamie Onishi
Produced by Petty Cash Productions

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Fashions New Book Club designed to sound like questions from a curious guest or member

General Beginner Questions

1 What exactly is Fashions New Book Club
Its a trendy exclusive book club that brings together creative professionals from New Yorks fashion arts and entertainment scenes Its as much about networking and style as it is about literature

2 Who is this book club for Is it only for industry insiders
While it was started by and often features models actors writers and dancers its generally open to creativeminded individuals in Manhattan Some events are public while others are by invitation

3 Where and how often do they meet
They host popup meetings at stylish venues across Manhattanthink art galleries boutique hotels and membersonly clubs The schedule varies but they typically meet once a month

4 How is this different from a regular book club
The atmosphere and attendees set it apart Discussions often connect the books themes to art performance and personal creative work The events themselves are highly curated visually striking experiences

Participation Logistics

5 How can I join or attend a meeting
Follow their social media accounts for event announcements Some events require an RSVP or ticket purchase while exclusive ones are often inviteonly

6 Do I have to read the book to attend
Its strongly encouraged The discussion is the core of the event However the social and networking aspect is also a big draw so you wont be turned away at the door

7 What kind of books do they read
They focus on literary fiction thoughtprovoking nonfiction memoirs and essaysoften with themes of identity creativity culture and society You wont find mainstream bestsellers or pure genre fiction here

8 Is there a dress code
Theres no official code but attendees often dress in a fashionable smart creative styleits a scene where people express their personal aesthetic

Advanced Inside Scoop Questions

9 Whats the real benefit of joining Is it worth the hype
Beyond the books the main benefits are