The city of Houston just got a little more fabulous. The marvelously modish designer, Jonathan Adler, just opened a spectacular new 3,500-square-foot location on West Avenue (at the intersection of River Oaks and Upper Kirby), and locals are flocking to snag some “happy-chic” furniture and accessories for their posh pads. As the largest location of three in Texas, the new Adler shop is a bright and cheery wonderland of color, funky furniture, and the staple eclectic curiosities for which the designer is famous. Adler also just added a refreshing new spring/summer fashion accessories line, including elegant totes, gorgeous clutches, lavish scarves and more. We were lucky enough to sit down with Adler at the store’s grand opening, and chat with him about the new outpost, accessories line, design trends and more.
What made you decide to jump in and open a Jonathan Adler location in Houston?
I love Houston, and I’ve been looking for a while. Houston’s a nifty, glamorous city full of stylish broads who love to shop. Oh, the poor, poor husbands of Houston.
If you’re traveling to Houston, what Jonathan Adler goodies should you take home with you in your suitcase, and what should you ship back home?
You’d be mad not to leave with one of our Duchess Totes in the Greek key pattern, definitely buy a set of our delirium coasters, and I would send home a giant brass horn for your dining room table. Also, a needlepoint pillow would not be a bad thing.
You just launched an exciting new accessories line for women. What are your summer must-haves?
I love my Duchess Tote, sun hats and the scarves. I would just throw a bird scarf in my bag, and you’d be ready to whisk around to any socialite function.
Houston is known for having hot weather and freezing cold air conditioning. Is your new line of scarves a nice weight for our climate?
Yes, they are light and silky. I think when Katy Perry sang, “… you’re hot then you’re cold” she was talking about Houston. I think that was basically her homage to Houston. So that’s why you need one of my scarves!
Would you ever consider doing a full fashion line?
I have absolutely no plans to do that, but you know, I never say never to anything. I started out as a potter, so who knows what’s next.
Why has gold and brass made such a massive comeback in the design world?
I’m ecstatic, and I’d like to think that I have been a part of it. I’ve been rockin’ gold forever! I think gold is everything that one wants — it’s moody, it’s luxe, it’s twinkly, it’s vulgar, but in good ways. I hope it’s a sign that people are remembering that a little bit of flash is very life-affirming.
If you had to decorate with one color for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Blue, obviously, because blue is heaven in every shade. It’s the one color where all of its hues harmonize magnificently. I could use only blue for the rest of my life and I’d be extremely content.
Photos courtesy of Jonathan Adler
