Jonathan Adler
He’s one of today’s hippest, hottest trendsetters, admired for his unbridled use of color and graphics. Hailing originally from the rural Cumberland County town of Bridgeton, Jonathan Adler, the self-proclaimed king of “happy chic” is not only a creative guru and industry icon, but a very funny guy.
Check out jonathanadler.com and you’ll discover an amusing manifesto penned by this home furnishings designer who tells it as he sees it: “We believe colors can’t clash. We believe tassels are the earrings of the home. We believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right. Unless the husband is gay.”
A trip to the site will also treat you to Adler’s 10 Commandments for chic interior design. These pearls include: “Thou shalt not be afraid of orange.”
Although a potter by trade, Adler’s line now includes a broad assortment of furniture, art, rugs, pillows, linens, tabletop, lamps and more—available through 13 Jonathan Adler stores, 1,000 retailers and interior designers around the world, and online. I recently caught up with the man himself to find out a little more…
Q. What was the thought process behind your newest products?
A. I design things out of a need basis, things that I would want in my own home. So I am often thinking about what’s next through living in my space.
Q. What’s your favorite piece of furniture from the Jonathan Adler line?
A. All of it! I don’t make anything I don’t love. If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it.
Q. In your own home, what is your favorite space and how is it decorated?
A. My living room has a paisley ping-pong table smack in the middle of it! I love that it is surprising, but it also gets used constantly—we play every night.
Q. What’s on the horizon for the company and for you, personally?
A. More, more and more. We’re saying yes to lots of new projects.
To infuse your home with Alder’s cheerful shapes, colors and prints, visit the brand-new Fun House in Mendham (973-543-6429; funhousefurnishings.com), on 6 East Main Street just behind Windswept Boutique, Carla Fabrizi Cosmetics and Mendham Spa.
Fun Find: Papillon Menswear
If your man needs a makeover, take him to Millburn’s new Papillon Menswear
(973-379-2121; papillonmenswear.com) where you’ll find exclusive Italian labels such as D’avenza, Ravazzolo, Zilli, Pal Zileri, Canali and Mabro. Owned by the fun and flamboyant Harun Rashidzada, stylist to Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, pro athletes and local celebs, the chic shop prides itself on personalized service. The Millburn location is open seven days a week and by appointment. A second shop is in Westwood in Bergen County.
What a Wardrobe: Trunk Shows that pamper
If you’re looking for a fresh wardrobe source, check out Etcetera (etcetera.com), a contemporary women’s fashion line sold through one-on-one, home-based trunk shows around the country.
Locally, fashion consultants convert their homes into boutiques for one week each season and schedule private appointments with savvy women who want to save time and money.
One of Etcetera’s freshest sportswear looks for Spring 2011.
The styles are pretty and chic, intended to be priced less than department stores. This type of personal shopping is growing in popularity because the consultants help each client build a pulled-together wardrobe. The consultant maintains a list of purchases along with a fabric swatch from each piece selected. When the clothes arrive, they are delivered directly to the client. So if you hate to shop (I cannot imagine such a concept!) or if you just don’t have the time, this is a très cool option.
For details on shows scheduled in Essex, Somerset, Morris or Union counties, call 850-484-8120.
A similar concept is offered by Jenn Canfield of JLC Collection (908-277-1198). Canfield sources gorgeous costume jewelry and brings her fun and funky inventory to your home party—or you and your friends can visit her in Summit. Canfield, who used to work for Tiffany, relies on her trained eye to build an extensive trunk show inventory with much-lower-than-retail price points.
