Inspired by the deeper meaning attached to treasured possessions, jewelry designer and portrait photographer Monica Rich Kosann set out to chronicle the stories of such cherished belongings. Her time with more than sixty-five intriguing personalities, celebrities, and thought leaders resulted in POSSESSION OBSESSION: WHAT WE COLLECT AND WHY, a stunning photographic collection that transcends materialism and explores the secrets and stories behind beloved personal items.

As a deeply creative spirit, Kosann attributes her interests in both design and photography to an underlying fascination with storytelling. This curiosity is apparent through both the questions Kosann poses and the intimacy of the images. A sweeping range of luminaries and icons, such as Chelsea Clinton, Usher, Judge Judy, and Isaac Mizrahi, pose with prized objects and shed light on the stories behind their public personas. The wide range of items held in esteem are equally fascinating—from rings passed down generations of women, to a life size effigy of Prince. Ultimately, the diversity of striking images and telling interviews produce a novel approach to the concept of human identity.

Combining anecdotes, photography, and celebrity interest, POSSESSION OBSESSION explores the universal human urge to hold material objects not for outward value, but for emotional significance. Kosann’s revealing study underlines keepsakes’ ability to provide permanence and tangibility to emotions and memories. Perfect for both photography fans and pop culture enthusiasts, this book invites readers to reconsider the traditional idea of materialism and indulge in the narratives of others.