Jonathan Adler’s brain is a cultural blender. His influences are vast. High, low, and everything in between, from Isamu Noguchi’s organic Modern Sculptures to raunchy 1970s bumper stickers. The end result? A design brand—pottery, furniture, and more—which marries chic design with irreverent references. Adler has built an international reputation for his innovative approach to design, which deftly combines humor, impeccable style, and skilled craftsmanship. In his talk, Adler will shed light on how he synthesizes disparate inspirations into a varied yet distinctive voice and offer advice on how young designers and artists can develop their own signature styles in a chaotic visual landscape.
Adler launched his namesake brand in 1993 when Barneys New York purchased his first pottery collection, and by 1998 he had opened his flagship store in Soho. Since then, Adler has expanded his studio into a global design company rooted in craftsmanship and playful luxury. Pottery remains at the heart of his work, while the brand now encompasses furniture, lighting, décor, and textiles—all united by his signature vision of “Modern American Glamour.” Through both his retail stores and collaborations worldwide, Adler continues to champion bold design infused with wit, optimism, and artistry.
Adler appeared as a judge for two seasons of Bravo’s Top Design and later served as a judge on HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen. In 2019, Adler received the Brand Heritage Award at The Fashion Group International's annual Night of Stars gala in New York City and has received many accolades, including the MAD Visionary Award from the Museum of Arts and Design in 2025.
Presented in partnership with Design Core Detroit.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Series presenting partners: Detroit PBS, ALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.