Jonathan Adler is like no other. I love his playful and colourful signature style, along with his enthusiasm, it seems He is unstoppable. He and his collection are fun and full of personality, just the way I like it! I am excited that Jonathan took the time answer a few quick questions and to give us an insight into his world.
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Where do you live?
In Greenwich Village.
How would you describe the look of your home?
Hmmmmm……. Eccentric Glamour.
What is your favourite thing in your home?
Oy vay. Tough question for a maker/collector/possible hoarder. I reckon my fave thing is a fantastic painting from 1972 by Ed Paschke (a brilliant American painter. If you don’t know his work, google it. You’ll j’adore it, I promise!) of Funk Icon Sly Stone that originally hung in the Playboy Mansion. On a less haute note (but still staying in the Funk Icon realm), my other favorite thing is a plaster bust of Michael Jackson, circa Thriller–epaulets and red glitter–that we bought at the flea market for $20. It’s sublime.
What do you collect?
I collect glass heads by Rainbow Glass Company, an American 60s concern and horological collages of antique cars.
What are you loving right now?
Brass. Brass brass and more brass.
Coffee tea or?
Tea tea and more tea. Believe it or not, I’ve never had a cup of coffee in my life. And I’m married to a Brit so the kettle is always on and we bicker like typical English folk over whose turn it is to make the next cuppa.
What is on your shopping list?
I’m not comfortable in my own home if there’s not a roast chicken, an apple pie, and blueberries in the fridge.
Favourite thing to do on the weekend?
I live to paddleboard. We have a fab house in the Hamptons that’s on the water and I get on my board and go for hours and am never happier.
Favourite street to shop in?
East 10th Street in New York is incredible. It’s a one block long promenade of the best antiques shops in the world.
Favourite day of the week?
Obviously it’s Saturday.
Favourite place to shop?
Tokyo! I’m not the tallest person on earth and the clothes in Japan fit me perfectly. I’m always wowed by the genius of Japanese creativity.
Favourite place to eat?
Sant Ambroeus in the West Village is my cosy local. It’s low key and casual and chic and there’s always a good celeb sighting to be had.
What is your signature dish?
Hate to sound too virtuous, but I love nothing more than grilled bronzino with a side of asparagus.
What is your signature drink?
I’m glad you asked. I am trying (in vain) to have a drink named after me. The Jonathan Adler is iced tea with milk instead of lemon. Most people are put off by it but I beg you to try it and, next time you go into your local watering hole, ask for it by name. Please help me in my effort!
Favourite holiday destination?
Easy. Capri is my favorite holiday destination. If heaven exists, it’ll look like Capri.
What are you reading?
Just finished The Dinner by Herman Koch and am about to start Patricia Highsmith’s Deep Water.
What are you listening to?
Embarrassingly, I have the musical tastes of a 12 year old girl. It’s all Ke$ha and Katy Perry and Iggy Azalea all the time.
What are you working on right now?
As soon as I finish typing this interview I’m gonna’ head into the pottery studio where I’m working on a collection of giant pots inspired by hand grenades. Hand grenades are quite beautiful.
What/who are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by my husband Simon Doonan. Aside from being the handsomest and grooviest dude ever, Simon is also the most creative. 20 years in and he still constantly surprises me. I pray that he doesn’t read this interview as I try very hard never to compliment him lest he get a swelled head.
What makes you happy?
Making stuff.