I look like I might combust from happiness.
A few weeks ago I had been invited to a show house opening party on what turned out to be a rainy, bleak night. Unable to find parking and in an uber-cranky mood, I nearly told Andrew to forget about it and take me home to go drown my bad mood in a nice Pinot Noir. Good thing I didn’t. At that party I met the wonderfully fabulous Donna, Director of Retail Stores for Jonathan Adler (we just got our very own in Boston). We got to chatting about design, blogging, the industry, etc. and she said “You should come and meet Jonathan!” Well, um, yes please. Jonathan is one of my design IDOLS, not only for his happy, bold, swinging 60’s aesthetic, but also for his sense of humor about the whole thing (read his manifesto if you haven’t). After all, this is decorating, not figuring out how to plug an oil leak a mile under the sea. I have long adored my “gin, puppies, sunshine…” needlepoint pillow, I have been using oodles of his furniture and accessories in my projects and you all KNOW how I feel about the Adler designed Parker Hotel (Disneyland for grown-ups) Anyways, I figured that the chances of such a meeting actually coming to fruition were probably slim. You know how parties are– wine is flowing, the mood is like fabulousness vaporized and circulated through the air vents and lots of plans are made. Well, Donna wasn’t kidding around, and ladies (and you few gents), yesterday I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Jonathan Adler himself in his New York office, one on one.
Pardon me while I go into full on Rachel Zoe mode now….
I die. I die. BANANAS. I die.
Ahem, I’m back. I didn’t even want to breathe a word of it before it happened for fear I would jinx it (I believe in that stuff). Until I was actually sitting down with him I still didn’t believe it. So yesterday I packed up my laptop, camera and all my junk into a somewhat cute purse and off I went to Manhattan. Oh wait a hot minute, let’s cut to me on the train yesterday morning opening my purse and realizing my camera is STILL ON THE DAMN DINING TABLE!!!! Fan-freaking-tastic. And my train was late. And I don’t own an iPhone to take a picture with nor time to find a place to buy a camera during my cab ride to the offices. So in I go to my meeting with the superfab Jonathan armed with a $9 yellow cardboard one time use Kodak camera. I kind of wanted to die. Pardon me, first I wanted to buy an iPhone, and THEN die. But I made it, in one sweaty, anxiety-riddled piece, to the JA headquarters looking like a tourist from 1995. But in moments like this, there are no room for regrets, only grateful excitement to be able to meet someone you’ve respected, followed and hope to emulate in your own career (take a moment and read his hilarious career timetable) .
For such a huge business, the offices are delightfully modest but as full of smiling, stylish faces and fun as you’d expect. I toured the showroom (complete with items yet to be released for sale) such as leather and metal x benches with chain embroidered upholstered seats (drool) and various ceramics and textiles. Jonathan himself is as friendly, cool, laid back and hands on with his company as I’d hoped he’d be! Such a warm, funny, charismatic person with absolutely ZERO design diva attitude, he showed me around the office where ideas are developed, crafted (i.e. people hands deep in clay) and sold and then sat down with me to chat about this and that. I was nervous and very aware of how busy he is, so I did not barrage him with the 102 questions I had written on the train ride down, but I managed to snag a few notable quips to share with you all (not word for word, mind you- I was busy listening, not scribbling frantically) So here are a few quick tidbits (some stolen from the Proust questionnaire a la Vanity Fair):
Current state of mind: Always hungry and restless.
Greatest extravagance: I shouldn’t admit this since I’m a potter, but it’s flying first class.
Greatest achievement: Never having a “real job” i.e. a boss to report to and creating hundreds of jobs for other people!
Talent you’d most like to have other than your obvious god given ones: Mad basketball skills or tv ready hip-hop dance moves. (*my commentary: best off the cuff answer ever)
If you could live anywhere where would it be: I could lie and say somewhere like Paris, but it’s actually NYC. It’s the best place on earth.
If you had to pick another designer to design your own home who would it be: It’s a three way tie between Miles Redd, Delphine Krakoff and Diamond Baratta.
Favorite Fashion label: Paul Smith is my idol. He’s endlessly creative and a seriously nice bloke.
Favorite item you’ve produced: The Dora Maar vase or banana sculpture. The banana sculpture is pretty fierce. (Being a potter at heart, he loves those works the most, even with all his newer furniture and accessory items) It actually changes every day, I feel very lucky to be as prolific as I am.
Would you ever do TV again? Yes. (Top Design) was really fun because all the judges were good friends of mine. It was a pain being relocated to LA for six weeks, but it was a good time.
Do you read design blogs? Yes, I read yours (I refrained from clapping my hands and squealing like an monkey on ecstasy). It’s actually a bit of a disaster- I feel like I should shut off the internet in my offices because my staff and I are always reading blogs!
Amongst other things discussed was the under-construction new home he and husband Simon (as in THE Barney’s Creative Director Simon Doonan) on Shelter Island and his desire to make it fun and not “heavy” like a lot of designer homes can be. Other than his own home, he’s not doing many interiors these days, as his true passion lies in product design. We also chatted about the ups and downs of interior design, commentary from haters on the internet and my desire to permanently reside at The Parker and eat Norma’s blueberry pancakes until I die. I loved having him show me a few not yet released products, such as a series of sea captain inspired mugs and vases one of which is based on a cartoon ad about littering from the 70’s he remembers vividly. I think it is so cool that someone can take little charming details from everyday life or memories of moments past and turn it into a product that’s charming and beautiful.
What I enjoyed the most about meeting him (besides his killer sense of humor) is that he truly “walks his talk”. And I’ve come to find out that is rare in this business of ours, especially at the level he is at. Jonathan clearly still finds such joy in what he does and creates products that have the sole purpose of being fun, charming, beautiful and above all, HAPPY. In a time when there is so much seriousness and stress, stepping into Jonathan’s world is a refreshing escape- whether being as blessed as I am to have met him in the flesh or by having a cute set of bird shaped salt and pepper shakers on your table to remind you everyday to smile. I want you all to know that behind that small product is a man who really loves and believes in what he does and delights in being able to share that with you.
Since I know there is a good chance he is reading this, thank you Jonathan for taking time out of your busy day to sit down with me and make this newbie designer’s YEAR!
Once I develop my ridiculous throw away camera I’ll post snaps of the showroom. In the meantime, here are just a FEW of my personal JA favorites (click pics for links)
omg, Erin! I can’t believe how lucky you are! I enjoyed a lot reading your impressions about meeting Jonathan Adler! I’m so excited for you! Although I might be little jealous as well, you know, after all, is Jonathan Adler whom you met!!! Congrats! xxx
whoa. Totally. New. Level.
Spending time with Jonathan Adler….now THAT’S a great day! He comes across so happy and energetic. I’m sure this will be something you remember forever!!! xoxo
Thank you for that wonderfully written article. You always do such a great job of making people feel like they were there with you.
I am thrilled and not surprised that he is as wonderful as he seems on TV. Makes you feel good about the world :)
Awesome post. What a great recap of your meeting. It makes me love him even more!!! I think I might have to go to his store in Chicago, today! Now…wait, it is too early for it to be open…that’s ok, I will get a coffee and wait by the door.
you are ONE LUCKY LADY to meet jonathan.. I would DIE to meet him. GOOD FOR YOU!
Erin you are so lucky. What a dream come true. I love everything he does and he seemed like a great person on Top Design. It is nice to hear is so wonderful in person, I am not surprised at all. Thanks for sharing, I loved your questions and his answers!
I am so happy that you got to meet him- what an experience! You are going places! Thanks for sharing with us common folk : )
Thanks for taking us along for the visit! I guess I don’t read the sites where people are critical of JA…his products exude happiness and I think it’s hard not smile when you see them.
I love Jonathan Adler and he seems like such a genuinely nice person (which I think comes through in his designs). I have a set of Adler plates and I love them as much today as the day I bought them!
Lucky you! Thanks for the great post.
Fabulous post Erin! Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you. I wish you many more successes and “i die” moments in your life and career.
btw- i must own that sofa before i die. :)
Sara
How wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Erin!
All such gorgeous pieces! I need that desk. It’s perfection. Talk about talent.
Congrats, Erin! Sounds like such an amazing day and opportunity and there is NOTHING like leaving your camera at home. Glad you were able to figure it all out!
-Alaina
Bananas is right!! What a great post and I’m seriously jealous! He is so amazing!!
AWESOME!!!
YOU, HIM, HIS LINE, THE POST!!!
So thrilled to hear that someone with such idyllic status is actually as cool and down to earth as you’d want them to be!
He’s so fun! BTW – I LOVE your dress ! Perfect choice for meeting Jonathan.
What a terrific turnaround for your night. Glad to see he’s grounded and real. For someone who has done so much to change interior design, he seems to have a real head on his shoulders.
I am dying right now Erin! What a unbelievable, heart-stopping experience. I found myself giggling out of sheer joy for you while reading this post.
Oh my gosh, so exciting!! And the Rachel Zoe moment – pure hilarity!
OMG. You are too funny. What a great experience. What’s life without a few hiccups?
what a lucky girl you are (and lucky Jonathan)!!
You lucky girl, you!…and of course your delivery of the happenings is nothing short of hilarious!
JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HEART HEART HEART JA!
Donna M? Love, love, love her! I met her years ago as a student looking for an internship, can’t say enough great things about her, love that you made that connection!
Lucky lady
love this post! funny and real. great to hear that he is so down-to-earth. pam
Erin, I was cracking up reading this. So fun! the camera-hilarious. hey, girls gotta do… that’s awesome. glad you had fun.
OMG – so jealous! I adore him!!! Great interview and trust me leaving the camera behind is totally something I would do too :o)
So this morning I commented on someone elses blog about how lucky they were, and I really thought so at the time, I remember being a little jealous, after reading this I cannot even remember who or what it was about. What an amazing opportunity – I’m so glad to hear he was so kind and made it such a wonderful experience for you. His designs are so fun and light and I absolutely adore everything he does – congrats!
You just have to know how beautiful you look in that picture! Then I read the story about the train ride and can’t believe you kept yourself together that well. I would have been a complete disaster!
So jealous! I bet the two of you had such fun, you are both hilarious!
Oh! He is SO fabulous! (His husband too-what a design dream team!!) I’m so glad you got to meet him, Erin! He is such a bright spot in this frequently dreary world. (And as a RISD grad, I LOVE that he spent most of his time at Brown actually at RISD! Yay!) ;) Thanks for sharing this experience with us!
Oh. Em. Gee. You are so lucky!! There is a JA store right by my work, and I LOVE going in there during my lunch break and browsing. I’m so glad to hear Jonathan was as fabulous in real life as his designs are. Thank you for sharing this with us.
ETG – you deserve and made it happen for yourself! He truly is a style icon and I am sure he loved you! xx, kt
you are an official design rock star now!! what a great day for you, wonderfully written post too. can’t wait to see your box camera photos. btw-you look great in your picture, perfect outfit for the day.
Wow, that is so amazing!!
Erin- You officially are a rock star!
BTW- Are those bookends you’re holding? Could not find them online.
I love the interview and I ADORE Jonathan Adler, but I have to ask one slightly off subject question: Who made your gorgeous dress. LOVE it!
Wow! I just loved reading this (never mind that I should b e doing a zillion other things, but it was so worthwhile) and cackling way too loud! A great piece and wonderful to get to know a little more about this great guy.
Oh this makes me so happy! It’s so nice to hear that he is as happy and cheerful as his designs are. I love those bird pieces. We just started a family tradition of getting one of his ornaments for our tree every year. The boyfriend made this up and surprised me with an ornament. What a gem to know who the best designers are! Love your blog!
That was amazing! I am so glad you got to meet him and report back to us. It is so nice to know that he is just as nice in person as he seems to be through his work. I am currently COVETING the giraffe lamp for my nursery!! NEED.WANT.NEED! Thanks so much again for sharing and I can’t wait to see more pictures!! :) xo
How awesome- lucky you! I swoon over his site all the time… :)
i CANNOT believe you were able to restrain yourself upon learning that he reads your blog… i may have spontaneously combusted in a cloud of blather. what an amazing story, interview and pics! FIERCE dress btw!
[...] Adler lovers… Jump to Comments You must read this! The beautiful and talented Erin of Elements of Style got to meet him yesterday and chronicles [...]
Yeah, go you, Erin! What a great day this sounds. Thanks for sharing your experience of meeting Jonathan and seeing his offices – it made for a very funny and interesting read!
Hey guys! Thanks for all the fab comments- I feel like I couldn’t put into words the fabulousness of this moment, but glad you felt you were there with me.
THe dress, BTW, is Diane Von Furstenberg. Naturally. :)
Of course you would meet Jonathan Adler and look amazing doing it!! GREAT post…seriously, one of my favorite EVER.
Amazing story, thanks for sharing with us! So jealous.
Erin, that is SO awesome!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE his white bird bowls and have wanted one for a long time (just don’t exactly have the $ right now). Now that I know how awesome (and down to earth) he is, I’m gonna save up for the medium one!
Very Well Done my dear!
Sounds amazing.
xo,
Julie