The art of love: creative couples making it work in romance and business
Creative Couples: Collaborations That Changed History explores the unique bond between 15 creative couples

Rei Kawakubo and Adrian Joffe built a cult love heart label; Alfred Stieglitz gave American modernism Georgia O'Keeffe; and Queen Elizabeth II rules a kingdom alongside Prince Phillip. However contrasting in creative output, there’s no questioning that these prolific partnerships give new meaning to the term ‘power couple’.
In the latest edition in her series exploring groundbreaking personalities (see Visionary Women, Life as a Visitor and Pioneers of the Possible) Angella Nazarian manages to weave the lifestyles of contrary couples with the thread of an unmatched bond between two human beings in her new tome, Creative Couples: Collaborations That Changed History.
Nazarian, while writing the predecessors to this book, discovered that many of the significant innovations of the 20th century came through the joint efforts of men and women (or otherwise) working synergistically. This cultural shift over the last century towards greater participation by women has created a much needed sense of urgency to discuss the ways in which men are potential allies and supporters of creative growth.
‘I wanted to better comprehend the underlying factors of two people coming together — as a couple, as well as partners in work — and to examine how personal relationships affect a couple’s working relationship,’ says Nazarian.
With this in mind, Nazarian has compiled a group of 15 couples that have operated as a joint force in each other’s lives and the world at large. The book design is as bold as the love stories inside, with the front cover featuring a pop art image of Charles and Ray Eames, just one of the included couples with a love story as colourful as their shared aesthetic.
Each of the pairings have their own unique relationship characteristics and ensuing dynamics; but there's not just one magic formula that fits all partnerships. Some would even say there’s no fate worse than dating an artist. But with Nazarian’s deep-dive into each of her couples, it’s clear that great power comes in two halves.
INFORMATION
Creative Couples, Collaborations That Changed History, published by Assouline
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Yonder Escalante reinvents glamping in the Utah Desert
Yonder Escalante is the ultimate eight-hectare hospitality experience, leaving no stone (or cactus) unturned
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Extreme Cashmere’s Los Angeles takeover is a lesson in how to host in style
Amsterdam-based label Extreme Cashmere invites Wallpaper* behind the scenes of its Los Angeles pop-up, featuring an ephemeral restaurant inspired by the team’s beloved dinner parties
By Jack Moss Published
-
Triennale Milano 2025 exhibition will explore global inequalities
The 24th International Exhibition of Triennale Milano, set to launch on 17 May 2025, will follow the theme of ‘Inequalities. How to mend the fractures of humanity’
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Laila Gohar debuts bar accessories inspired by her travels
Chef and designer Laila Gohar unveils a new range of bar accessories and cocktails with her signature surrealist flair
By Mary Cleary Published
-
The Commerce Inn is a West Village Tavern inspired by the Shakers
We explore the simple pleasures of The Commerce Inn, Rita Sodi and Jody Williams’ perfectly crafted, Shaker-inspired West Village tavern
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Happy Independence Day, USA! Wallpaper* launches a month-long celebration of creative America
This 4 July we toast the cream of creative USA with our very own cherry soda float. See more in August 2023 Wallpaper*, on sale 6 July, and all month on Wallpaper.com
By Mary Cleary Published
-
René Redzepi, Mette Søberg and Junichi Takahashi on Noma’s new cookbook
Lifting the lid on Noma’s secrets, a new cookbook celebrates the pioneering restaurant’s season menus, and offers a deep dive behind the scenes
By Jeni Porter Last updated
-
60-Second Cocktails book shakes up summer happy hour at home
This 60-Second Cocktails book brings summer happy hour into your home with easy but sophisticated cocktail recipes and tips to guide even novice shakers
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Lavender and Truffles: plant-based ice cream with Asian-inspired flavours
Fashion industry veteran Alicia Liu launches an ice cream brand like no other, with passion and grit as the main ingredients
By Scott Mitchem Last updated
-
In Washington, DC, Yayoi Kusama and Veuve Clicquot are in full bloom
Yayoi Kusama and Veuve Clicquot continue their long and fruitful collaboration with a series of art events in Washington, DC, headlined by the artist’s major show, ‘One With Eternity’ at the Hirshhorn
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
New York exhibition celebrates the history of African American cuisine
‘African/American: Making the Nation’s Table’ is a new exhibition in New York City that examines the traditions and innovations of African American cooking
By Mary Cleary Last updated