Jonathan Adler, the renowned designer and potter, recently took the opportunity to reflect on his enduring marriage to Simon Doonan, the former creative director of Barneys New York, amidst the unveiling of his latest collaboration with SharkNinja. The couple, who have been together for over three decades, attended the MAD Ball in New York City on 29 October 2025, where they shared insight into both their personal and professional lives.
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Adler, 60, highlighted the comedic aspect of their relationship, noting that he and Doonan, 74, never miss a chance to poke fun at one another. “We never miss an opportunity to make fun of each other, ever,” he remarked during an interview, adding a humorous anecdote about a recent incident where Doonan tripped and fell. Adler quipped, “It was the best thing that ever happened because now I’ll get a lot of mileage out of that,” showcasing the playful dynamic they maintain.
The couple first crossed paths on a blind date in 1994, and their bond only deepened over the years. They officially married in 2008, with Adler previously telling the Los Angeles Times that they had been “totally married” long before their wedding. Reflecting on their lengthy partnership, Adler expressed surprise at reaching 32 years together; however, he emphasised his decision to live in the moment. “I don’t think about the next day,” he explained, attributing their longevity to sheer luck.
Their intimate relationship has seamlessly intertwined with their professional careers, leading Adler to admit that his identity is inextricable from that of Doonan. “I don’t even know where he ends and I begin,” he confessed, underscoring the deep connection fostered by their shared passion for design.
Adler’s illustrious career as a designer took off with his first ceramics collection in 1993 and has since evolved into a robust home furnishings empire. With partnerships across various industries, Adler feels fortunate to broaden his creative horizons. “I love to collaborate with fantastic companies. And as a designer, my mission in life is to make every experience even better,” he commented, indicating his commitment to enhancing everyday objects with his unique flair.
One of the fruits of this partnership focus is the recent redesign of the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso Machine for SharkNinja. Adler infused the appliance with his signature aesthetic, featuring the iconic geometric Versailles pattern and polished brass accents. “The opportunity to take an already perfect machine and take it to 11 was fantastic,” he said, hinting at his aim to elevate the ordinary.
In discussing his design philosophy, Adler shared, “I didn’t want to gild the lily; I just wanted to warm up the lily.” His approach included adding signature elements designed to enhance the user experience, making it feel more personal and inviting. With a wink at his love for naming things after himself, he added, “I am a megalomaniac and I like everything I use to have my name on it,” referring to his preferred “muse mug,” which bears his name on the underside.
As he explores various partnerships, Adler claimed his mission as a designer is to leave a mark on every experience he encounters. “The nice thing about being a designer versus an artist is that I feel like I can put my imprimatur on all the things with which I engage in life,” he articulated, reflecting on his role in blending functionality with aesthetics.
Despite his expanding design repertoire, Adler remains grounded in his roots as a potter. “I still am a potter first and foremost, and I hope that you get the feel of a craftman’s hand in everything I do,” he noted, reinforcing the notion that his foundational skills inform all his creative pursuits. He believes that the warmth and materiality he aims to convey through his work are evident in the new Ninja machine, representing his ongoing commitment to craftsmanship in design.
Ultimately, Adler’s reflections during the MAD Ball offer insight into the harmonious relationship he shares with Doonan, highlighted by humour, creativity, and a joyful blending of their lives—both personal and professional.