Jonathan Adler Once Had to Stop an Adult Film Shoot from Interrupting Bravo’s “Top Design”: ‘I’m Surprised I Didn’t Join in’ (Exclusive)

Jonathan Adler Reflects on Top Design and His New Collaboration with SharkNinja

Jonathan Adler, a well-known figure in the design world, recently took a trip down memory lane while discussing his latest collaboration with SharkNinja and the much-loved Bravo interior design competition, *Top Design*. The show, which aired for two seasons from 2007 to 2008, marked a significant milestone in Adler’s career as he transitioned from a talented potter to a prominent television personality.

Adler, who served as the lead judge on *Top Design*, shared insights on the programme that endeared him to many viewers. Alongside esteemed judges such as interior designer Kelly Wearstler and the then-editor-in-chief of *Elle Decor*, Margaret Russell, Adler became known for his memorable catchphrase: “See you later, decorator.” Reflecting on the two seasons of the series, Adler described his experience as “so fun and so silly,” reinforcing its nostalgic value nearly 20 years later.

The designer’s television career has expanded beyond *Top Design*, with recent appearances on shows such as HGTV’s *Totally ‘90s House*, *Design Star: Next Gen*, and the *Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge*. However, it is his early work on Bravo that Adler cherishes the most. “It would’ve been fun had it kept going,” he noted, expressing gratitude for having been part of such an iconic show.

During his promotion of the partnership with SharkNinja encompassing the launch of the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine, Adler shared a particularly amusing anecdote from his time on *Top Design*. He recalled an unforgettable off-screen moment when the crew was disrupted by loud noises from a porn shoot taking place above their filming location. “It was like three o’clock in the morning and we were trying to finish up the shoot for the day, and the ‘unst, unst, unst’ was interrupting us,” Adler said. In a bold move, he and co-judge India Hicks decided to knock on the door of the production upstairs, leading to a surreal yet memorable encounter.

The humorous nature of this experience showed a lighter side of the behind-the-scenes workings of reality television. “Had it not been 3 AM, who knows what might have been? I might be in a very different career path right now,” Adler jested, hinting at the unpredictable nature of life in show business.

Despite its brief tenure, Adler views *Top Design* as a significant part of his artistic journey. “It was definitely an OG moment, and yeah, it’s really cool,” he remarked, further emphasizing how it paved the way for his continued involvement in various design projects.

The designer’s evolution since the conclusion of *Top Design* has been remarkable, with collaborations that span beyond traditional home décor. His recent partnership with SharkNinja embodies this growth as Adler infuses his unique style into the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine. “The opportunity to take an already perfect machine and take it to 11 was fantastic,” he stated, highlighting his signature geometric Versailles pattern and polished brass accents that enhance the appliance’s aesthetic appeal.

Adler elaborated on his philosophy as a designer, stating, “As a designer, my mission in life is to make every experience even better.” This mantra drives him in every new project, allowing him to combine fashion and function seamlessly. He expressed a desire to add a personal touch to the items he designs, emphasising his commitment to craftsmanship. “I still am a potter first and foremost, and I hope that you get the feel of a craftsman’s hand in everything I do.”

At 60 years old, Jonathan Adler continues to thrive in his multifaceted career. His journey from pottery to television to product design showcases a rare adaptability and a relentless passion for creativity. As he reflects on the past, Adler remains committed to enhancing everyday experiences with his work, one stylish collaboration at a time.