Jonathan Adler: StyleMaven Interview

By Nancy MacDonell Smith

It's the little things about Jonathan Adler, the potter who transformed clay from hippie to hip, that speak volumes about his style.

For example: His first collection of pots was quilted, a la Coco Chanel. And though his tastes now run more to Helmut Lang, he remembers what he was wearing when he made his first pot (a Rush concert T-shirt). Finally, he and his boyfriend, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan, named their Norwich terrier Liberace. Add it all up and you've got a man who knows a thing or two about adding a little pizzazz to his day.With that in mind, we asked Adler for his favorite places to shop in New York.

Barneys New York, Madison Avenue at 61st Street, 212-826-8900
"I love Barneys for everything, especially the displays and windows. And that's a completely objective opinion," Adler deadpans.. "My favorite thing about the store is the men's Co-op on the fifth floor. I never have any occasion to dress like a grown-up, so this is the perfect place for me to shop, because they've got tons of casual stuff." www.barneys.com

Regeneration, 38 Renwick Street, 212-741-2102 and inside ABC Carpet and Home, 888 Broadway near 19th St. (Chelsea)
"Fabulous '50s, '60s and '70s furniture. It's totally couture but at great prices. The last thing I bought there was a George Nelson dresser." www.regenerationfurniture.com

Beacon's Closet, 88 N. 11th Street, 718-486-0816, Brooklyn
"The best place to go for vintage clothes. Plus, it's in Williamsburg, which I'm crazy about. The prices are fantastic, and they get new stuff all the time." www.beaconscloset.com

Bird, 430 Seventh Avenue, 718-768-4940, Brooklyn
"It has a groovy atmosphere and they sell really fun designers like Built by Wendy. Whenever I have to get a girl gift, this is where I go." For men in a similar bind, owners Belle Benson and Marla Walker suggest a woven suede scarf by RaeRae. www.shopbird.com

You can visit the world of Jonathan Adler in his LA and NY stores as well as the website: www.jonathanadler.com

>go to the los angeles store

>go to the new york store

Jonathan Adler - Everyone's Favorite Potter