A Look at Books: The Authentics: A Lush Dive into the Substance of Style.

Dara Caponigro

Looking for a way to break out of the endless loop of sameness that seems to play these days on social media? A day curled up reading The Authentics: A Lush Dive into the Substance of Style may just be the antidote to today’s quick-to-digest digital world.

Dara Caponigro has built a career in the publishing and design industry with a reputation for a keen sense of style and the ability to spot the latest design direction. Currently she is the creative director of the venerable fabric house Schumacher, her latest adventure after a deep and enviable career in the publishing industry. Most recently Capanigro was the Editor-in-Chief at Veranda and the founding editor at the groundbreaking Domino; she has also held several editorial positions at House Beautiful and Elle Decor.

In her latest publishing venture Caponigro teams up with photographer and frequent collaborator Melanie Acevedos for The Authentics: A Lush Dive into the Substance of Style.

I chatted with Caponigro about how the book came about. “Melanie and I have known each other for years—since our late twenties we have worked together and I have enormous respect for her work. She can capture both interiors and people in a beautiful and interesting way,” she explained “One day on a photo shoot we discussed how have we never done a book together? Melanie and I are a good team in terms of pushing each other and yet we’re like-minded and we complement each other and both brought ideas and people to the project. The book benefits from both of our points of view.”

Jewelry designer Solange Azagury-Partridge’s eclectic pink salon

Through its lush photographs and insightful prose the book examines the lives of twenty-seven creatives from a wide-swath of backgrounds. While the book skews heavy on people in the design industry—not a surprise considering Caponigro’s background—there is also a delightful mix of thought leaders, including artists, people in the fashion industry, and more. From sculptor Jonathan Adler to fashion designer Michael Bastian, the people profiled have been able to forge a successful path based on authenticity and strong sense of personal purpose.

Umberto Pasti and Stephen Janson’s book-laden living room in Tangier, Morocco.

When asked about the commonalties among the people featured in the book. Caponigro responds that “the authentics are all driven by passion. They don’t look outward for attention, they just do their thing, and by doing that they gain the notice and recognition. The attention itself is not the driving force.”

“I learned by the people featured in the book to trust your instincts and go with your gut” says Caponigro. And this is something Caponigro herself seems to do very well.

Designer Ann Marie Midy of Casamidy

Caponigro will be signing copies of her book Tuesday, February 27 at Putnam & Mason in Greenwich, Connecticut. The chic—and yes authentic shop— alone is worth a visit as is the entire Greenwich Design District. RSVP to staff@imagesanddetails.com. If you can’t make it for the book signing you can purchase a copy here.

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