It would be an impossible feat to categorize Jonathan Adler under one specific moniker. A business owner, designer, potter, world traveler, dog owner, interior designer, husband, author and reality television judge are just a few that come to mind.

Finding his love for pottery at the age of 12, Adler began creating pieces that echoed his interests and surroundings. He spent most of his youth throwing pots in his family’s basement and took this passion to college where he studied semiotics and art history, but spent most of his time crafting pottery. After moving to New York City, where he worked as an assistant in the entertainment industry for three years, Adler decided it was finally time to combine his passion and career into one. It might not have helped that according to Adler, “I literally got fired from every job I ever had in my life. That’s why I decided to start my own company. I’m incapable of working for anyone else or doing anything else.”

Adler began teaching classes at a local pottery workshop in exchange for studio space to create his first collection of pottery which he presented to Barneys New York in 1994, who not surprisingly, immediately placed an order for his work. And then began the evolution of Jonathan Adler. A few years later, he opened his first store in the Soho district of NYC, which originally catered only to pottery but quickly escalated to home furnishings. Now with more than 25 stores, Adler has spread his inspiring creativity across the world, while adding even more style and glamour along the way.

With what seems like a never ending resume, Adler has recently added eyewear designer to his list of monikers. The debut Jonathan Adler Eyewear collection from Rem Eyewear features women’s sun and optical styles that incorporate the designer’s spunk and powerful color palette. Similar to his other collections, Adler finds inspiration from luxe lifestyles, mid-century modern design and global pop culture, among many other creative avenues. Adler believes style is “whatever makes you feel good and puts pep in your step.” He shares with 20/20 how he incorporated his style and design aesthetics into the Jonathan Adler Eyewear collection.

—Victoria Garcia

20/20: What are certain design elements from your home furnishing collections that can be found in your eyewear styles?
Jonathan Adler: I incorporated my favorite colors, patterns and silhouettes into the collection. The Santorini style also features campaign hardware on the temples, which is modeled after the hardware from some of my furniture pieces in our collection.

How do you share your brand identity within your eyewear?
It goes beyond incorporating certain colors, patterns or silhouettes. I want to imbue everything I make—including eyewear—with a spirit of modern American glamour.


What is your favorite part of designing?
Being able to bring the crazy ideas in my head to life. Giant brass finger sculpture? Yes. Giant lucite nose? Why not?

Where did you find the inspiration behind the names of each frame?
Each piece is named after one of my favorite jet-set locations—Acapulco, Capri, Waikiki, Positano, Palm Beach and Santorini. Eyewear can transport you—put on a pair of oversized shades, and you’re suddenly Jackie O in Capri.

What inspired you to start an eyewear collection?
I’m obsessed with eyewear. Eyewear is glamour. Eyewear is style. Glasses can make or break a guy or girl, so I’m excited to be playing in this world.