Fashion & Beauty

Olympia Le-Tan: The Story of O.L.T.

The first book on the eclectic and whimsical work of fashion designer Olympia Le-Tan. An admitted bookworm, designer Olympia Le-Tan is best known for creating one-of-a-kind handbags resembling literary classics such as Catcher in the Rye, Doctor Zhivago, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Olympia Le-Tan—designed to look like a bag that looks like a book—invites the reader to discover the scope of the multifaceted French designer’s creations from her signature minaudières to her quirky ready-to-wear line and seemingly endless collaborations with fellow artists and designers. Born in London and raised in Paris, Le-Tan, whose father and sometimes collaborator is celebrated illustrator Pierre Le-Tan, got her sartorial debut at the age of nineteen. After working with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, Gilles Dufour at Balmain, and deejaying for the likes of Kirsten Dunst, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Purple magazine, she has earned the image of a prolific designer and worldly collector with a finger on the pulse of fashion. This book offers a playful and autobiographical glimpse into the world of Le-Tan and the inspirations behind her eclectic designs. Filled with candid photographs and charming illustrations, Olympia Le-Tan presents a whimsical look into one of the most creative designers on the scene today.

About The Author

Olympia Le-Tan is a self-taught fashion designer. She started her career at the Chanel design studio with Karl Lagerfeld. In March 2012, she launched her first ready-to-wear collection—classic clothes with a twist, a mix between her British and Parisian heritage using velvets, tartans, college stripes, and Liberty print fabrics.

  • Publish Date: November 01, 2016
  • Format: Hardcover
  • Category: Design - Fashion & Accessories
  • Publisher: Rizzoli
  • Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 7-3/4
  • Pages: 320
  • US Price: $75.00
  • CDN Price: $100.00
  • ISBN: 978-0-8478-4939-0

Reviews

"It seems strange to refer to Olympia Le-Tan’s new monograph, “The Story of O.L.T.” (Rizzoli, Nov. 1), as her first book. After all, the Parisian built her namesake seven-year-old brand on hand-embroidered clutches that mimic the covers of literary classics . . ." 
—Wall Street Journal 

"Fashion News: Olympia Le-Tan, known for her signature trompe l'oeil clutches inspired by classic literature, debuts an actual book this month, a visual memoir of sorts."
Elle

"The Story of O.L.T. is a scrapbook-style tour of Le-Tan's life and work, including behind-the-scenes images of her collaborations with filmmakers Wes Anderson and Spike Jonze."
Elle Decor

"Olympia Le-Tan can be appreciated on many levels. The book can be so many different things to each reader depending on the reader’s fashion education or trend exposure. This book is part journal, part look book, part visual diary, part love letter, part enigma, and a lot of 'look at me.'"
New York Journal of Books

"The Cut: Classical literature has influenced Le-Tan throughout her life. She grew up in a house filled with books…The Story of O.L.T., out November 1 from Rizzoli, traces Le-Tan's career from Chanel to working with Gilles Dufour at Balmain to her own ready-to-wear collections..."
New York Magazine

"French designer Olympia Le-Tan is best known for her ridiculously charming clutches, which feature embroideries of book covers. She uses everything from classic literature to cheesy romance novels, and they’re all given a delicate, vintage-style twist."
Office Magazine