TECHNICOLOR LIFESTYLE
Farewell minimalism and monasterial austerity!
A million miles from the prudent paired-down trend and "clinically-white" interiors, the explosive world of designer Jonathan Adler impetuously blends pop colors, art deco references and baroque juxtapositions.
While humor slips easily into his designs — from his iconic "Dora Maar" vase to the decoration precepts of his euphoric bible "My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living, 2005" — the American designer is now at the helm of a business empire, with the eponymous brand distributed across the globe, and a mind-blowing New York showroom over more than 6,000m2 . It must be said that the facetious businessman masters the art of sweeping away labels, both in his approach to interior design and in his CV.
A student in semiotics at Brown University, Jonathan decided to drop out in order to focus on his passion: pottery. His pieces met with success and caught the attention of Barneys which bought a first collection in 1993. He opened his first store five years later in SoHo and broadened his creative portfolio to include design, interior design and publishing, always with the same meticulousness and his easily recognizable made-inthe-USA touch of glamour.
The tireless Jonathan Adler is a workaholic; he works ceaselessly on his website and e-stores, and attends meeting after meeting with the Palm Springs Hotel, Fisher Price, Barbie, H&M and Amazon among others, all the while remaining constantly on the lookout for inspiration for his next collection.
What is design today?
Jonathan Adler: Design is the reflection of the world we live in. And the world we live in is totally chaotic! Life follows no rules and the same is true for design. You constantly have to rely on your determination and question yourself. The great thing is, I don't have to care whether I'm fashionable or not.
Where does your passion for pottery come from?
J. A.: I discovered pottery aged 12 during summer camp. That experience played a major role in my life, as if it was my destiny — and this is a rational guy who's reticent about New Age mysticism! Pottery has always held a central place in my life and my vision of design.
How does this discipline influence your daily work?
J. A.: : I've kept a craftsman's approach to design and every one my projects starts in my pottery workshop. It is actually in the center of my offices which occupy an entire floor of a building in SoHo.
What made you take the leap and become a designer?
J. A.: That step was taken in an unexpected and empirical way. My career path was built on my own hesitancy. To me, tripping up is the only way to get ahead. Design and creativity are the driving forces of my business. That's why I'm in this job: to create groovy objects and mind-blowing spaces!
When you find time to take a break, where do you seek inspiration?
J. A.: These past few months, I've been in retreat in the small town of Shelter Island on Long Island, and I've never found nature so inspiring as there. As I talk to you now, I can see an eagle perched in our oak tree. And last night it was as if the sunset was filmed in Technicolor: the clouds were rose pink as an egret skimmed across the translucent water…
Photo credits: Jonathan Adler
