‘Jamaica Vibes’ photo book to be released by Assouline and Island Outpost next month
Jamaica, an island overflowing with lively society and breathtaking landscapes, has served as a source of inspiration for a multitude of artists and creatives. The Caribbean island’s rich cultural heritage, encompassing music, dance, gastronomy, and literature, stands as a testament to the nation’s immense pride.
Originating within its borders, these artistic expressions have transcended geographical boundaries, leaving an indelible impact on people worldwide. The forever connection between the legacy of Bob Marley and the vivid essence of Jamaica is an undeniable truth. Similarly, for the esteemed novelist Ian Fleming, the picturesque island turned out to be a fertile breeding ground for his creative genius.
In their latest publication titled “Jamaica Vibes,” Assouline pays a captivating tribute to the Caribbean nation, showcasing its unmatched style and allure. With a foreword written by none other than Chris Blackwell, an iconic figure in the music industry and the brains behind Island Outpost, this book by renowned authors Lisa Lovatt-Smith and Novia McDonald Whyte is a true treasure.
In an eagerly anticipated release, Assouline is set to release their upcoming book, slated to grace the shelves in August 2023. This impressive addition to their esteemed Travel Series is sure to leave an ever-lasting mark on travel enthusiasts and literary connoisseurs alike. With a price tag of $105, this intriguing book guarantees to mesmerize readers with its engaging content and breathtaking imagery.
Blackwell was raised in Jamaica, where his family had acquired their fortune from sugar cane and rum production. In the 1960s, he broke into the music industry and was instrumental in launching Bob Marley and U2. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his role in spreading reggae over the globe.
However, Blackwell is also famous for his love of Jamaica and its people, as well as his Island Outpost network of boutique hotels, which are favorites of many Hollywood stars. Among these is the illustrious GoldenEye, once owned by Ian Fleming, who created his bestselling espionage (Bond) series there in his renowned waterfront villa. Blackwell has several properties, including the popular choice for honeymooners, The Caves, and the mountain estate Strawberry Hill (where he used to have Sunday tea as a child).
A forward written by Blackwell for Jamaica Vibes provided a personal, insider view of the vivacious island nation and its compelling force. The book’s authors are Novia McDonald-Whyte, senior lifestyle editor at the Jamaica Observer Media Group, and Lisa Lovatt-Smith, a former editor and fashion director at different Vogue editions.
The book is filled with over two hundred gorgeous images that show off the cultural vibrancy of the nation. These images were taken by photographers including Slim Aarons and Adrian Boot. There has been a seemingly endless stream of famous visitors to Jamaica throughout the years, and many of them, like Harry Belafonte and Kate Moss, have contributed quotes for this book.
Visit Assouline.com for more, and to see some of the magnificent photographs that will be included in the book.
Evie Blanco, a seasoned entertainment journalist who has transitioned to travel writing, has a distinguished career spanning almost ten years. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the vibrant and diverse city of Queens, New York, she has experienced the best of both worlds. She is passionate about many forms of aesthetic expression, including contemporary architecture, and is also quite knowledgeable about hip-hop music, culture, and its history. Evie enjoys writing about various travel-related topics, including exciting new foreign places to visit, festivals, new family-owned restaurants, and even recently renovated hotels. She can be reached at evieblanco@detourxp.com.