Assouline introduces The Mark, a homage to New York’s most iconic hotel
The book traces two decades of design, fashion and cultural history
What is The Mark by Assouline?
The Mark is a new publication by Assouline dedicated to one of New York City’s most iconic hotels. Written by New York Times best-selling author Derek Blasberg, the book pays tribute to the elegance, cultural significance and magnetic appeal of The Mark, a hotel that continues to define the very essence of Upper East Side sophistication.
Released to mark the twentieth anniversary of the hotel’s re-imagination, the book was developed under the creative direction of Prosper Assouline in close collaboration with The Mark’s ownership and marketing teams. The accolade reflects the hotel’s unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional guest experiences and speaks to its influence as a cultural touchstone for both global travellers and New Yorkers. The recognition also celebrates the talent and dedication of the team who bring The Mark to life each day.
The publication arrived during a milestone year for the hotel. In October 2025, The Mark was named among The World’s 50 Best Hotels, becoming the only hotel in New York City to receive the distinction. The recognition reflects the property’s influence beyond hospitality, acknowledging its role as a gathering point for artists, designers and global cultural figures.
Derek’s narrative explores how the hotel’s contemporary identity took shape after its 2005 redesign by French interior designer Jacques Grange. Working alongside collaborators including Karl Lagerfeld, Guy de Rougemont, Mattia Bonetti and Paul Mathieu, Grange introduced a visual language defined by contrast and confidence, most recognisably expressed through the hotel’s black-and-white striped lobby and bespoke interiors.
The book also documents The Mark’s evolution into a cultural stage, widely recognised as the unofficial headquarters of the Met Gala. From headline-making arrivals to behind-the-scenes rituals, the hotel has become inseparable from the event’s mythology. Signature experiences such as custom pedicabs to the gala steps and private sailboat journeys across New York Harbor further illustrate the hotel’s distinctive blend of playfulness and refinement.
Through archival imagery, original illustrations by Jean-Philippe Delhomme and portraits of notable guests, The Mark offers readers access to spaces rarely seen, including the most extensive hotel penthouse suite in the United States. The book also highlights destinations within the hotel that anchor its cultural presence, including Jean-Georges’ restaurant, Caviar Kaspia, the Mark Bar and the Assouline boutique.
When is The Mark released?
The Mark was released in December 2025.
Where is The Mark available?
The book is available internationally through Assouline and via The Mark Hotel’s official retail platforms.
Visit: themarkhotel.com
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
