Furnishings with a funky bias
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American designer Jonathan Adler chooses Bangkok for his first store in Asia
ONE OF the most sought after names in home design in the US, Jonathan Adler has now arrived in Bangkok, opening his first store in Thailand – and indeed in Asia – last Wednesday at Groove@CentralWorld with a red carpet party packed with celebrities and socialites.
An author and TV personality, Adler launched his business two decades ago with a ceramic collection for Barneys New York. In 1999, he expanded his line to include home furnishings and opened a boutique in Manhattan.
Today, he has more than 25 outlets around the world. The new Bangkok store, which is on the first floor of the lifestyle centre, is being operated by Tanachira Retail Corporation.
“More than 20 years ago, we did an event at a public studio and that became Jonathan Adler’s DNA. Now I have three partners but I manage everything. I really have a fun office and workshop that’s home to about 70 employees. I have a whole design team that I can walk around and design whatever I want. My life is heaven,” Adler says.
“This is my first branch in Asia and I feel it’s alive and credible. When I started my business 20 years ago I’ve never thought I would have a glamorous store in Thailand.”
Adler’s designs are dubbed “modern American glamour” though he says he merely wants to bring joy and optimism to the home.
“The design should be functional because designers should solve the problems. I try to create a new design on different materials.”
From the beach to the museum, he constantly travels to new places around the world to get inspiration. The result is a combination of mid-century modern art and pop culture with impeccable craftsmanship.
The new store is home to the latest Empire State collection, which includes home decorative items, candles and tableware made from ceramic and brass as well as furniture, rugs, pillows, bedding and bath accessories.
“I wanted a lifestyle brand that meets the needs of urbanites and Jonathan Adler is famous for unique and fun decorative items, furniture and lighting. The designer always thinks outside the box and pays attention to every element,” says Tanapong Chirapanidchakul, Tanachira Retail’s chief executive.
“Jonathan Adler’s designs have a touch of surrealism. Some of his pieces are now displayed in museums around the US.”
His Muse collection in ceramics includes a ceramic Peace Hand sculpture, Mr. + Mrs. salt and pepper shakers, match strikes in different designs and face-like candles that can double as a water glass when the wax has burned down.
Other highlights include a Brass Banana sculpture, embroidered pillows, a Lucite Hippo sculpture, comfy sofas and sheepskin chairs.
GROOVE FOR GLAMOUR
>>Jonathan Adler is on the first floor of Groove@CentralWorld. It’s open daily from 10 to 10. Call (02) 613 1261 or check out the latest collections at the Jonathan Adler Thailand page on Facbeook.
