I Heart John Derian!
by habituallychic
04 . 06 . 08
Everyone talks about John Derian‘s shop in New York but I was wondering how many people have actually been able to visit it in person. Luckily for me and you, John Derian himself was in the shop on Saturday and was gracious enough to allow me to take some photos to share with those of you who haven’t yet experienced this amazing shop of curiosities.
I think most people know that John Derian is famous for his decoupage items, including paperweights (above) among other items but the shop is also a treasure trove of vintage art and objects. There is so much to look at that you want to spend all day there browsing and buying.
Much of the front of the shop is dedicated to decoupage items including trays, lamps, bowls, bell jars, paperweights, and coasters, one of which I picked up for my new office desk.
All of the decoupage pieces are made from antique botanical and animal prints, as well as vintage maps and other papers that are reprinted and glued together under glass.
A table of wooden block books by New York based artist, art director, designer, illustrator, and publisher Leanne Shapton.
The extensive collection of glazed terracotta pottery and flatware by Paris based Astier de Villatte made me swoon. I think this might be the start of a new collection for me!
This was one of my favorite vingnettes in the shop. I love the juxtaposition of the vintage portrait and linens. The nice thing about the John Derian shop is that the prices are clearly marked on everything and they are pretty reasonable. Antique shops that don’t list prices make me think that they make one up based on how you’re dressed when you ask.
Decoupage zebras and fish and fruit. Oh my!
Even more decoupage. It never ends! 
Lino prints by Hugo Guinness are exclusive to John Derian and line an entire wall.
Beautiful spring branches.
Beautiful vintage mirror and frames.
The second shop carries more linens and John Derian’s new furniture collection. A third shop will be open after Memorial Day in Provincetown, MA in part of John’s new house more of which can be seen in the new Spring/Summer 2008 issue of Vogue Living. 
I told myself before I even stepped into the front door that I had to stick to my budget but of course that was quickly throw out the window once I saw the little glass box filled with vintage watercolors. I fell in love with the first one I saw and so I bought it as a little early birthday present to myself. I also picked up a coaster for my new office, a few postcards, a vintage children’s flashcard and a vintage German enamel number 18, also for my birthday.
I hope those of you haven’t visited the John Derian shop will make it a point to stop by on your next trip to New York. Just don’t try to give yourself a budget for spending! It’s useless to try to resist all the pretty treasures, new and old, just waiting to be taken home!
22 Comments
I’m so glad you posted about this shop. You recommended I stop in when I was in NYC in February and boy am I glad I did. It really is a cool, unique place. I’ll be returning for sure this summer!
Jennifer, I’m so glad you to hear you liked it! I’m sure there will be a whole different treasure trove there for summer when you visit again!
You lucky girl! I’ve been seeing this shop on the net, and it looks so amazing, and if I ever get to New York I’m definitly stopping by. Thanks for giving me a little peak into the gorgeousness 🙂
I love LOVE his shops. I also LOVED the Elle Decor spread from a year or so ago.
His best decoupage is the stuff most stores aren’t brave enough to carry – – the darker things, especially the ones made from vintage letters… like the one imploring someone to return things to the sender. So funny, so weird.
Was he pleasant? I met him once and he was surly and brusque. Lighten up, JD. They’re just paperweights. 🙂
Anonymous, I bought a postcard with a really funny typed note that read “Sorry to appear insistent, but I must have my trinkets. This is the last chance.” It made me smile.
JD was very pleasant but I made a point to be very polite in asking his permission to take photographs and giving him my card. I also mentioned that I’ve starting writing for a few magazines and if he might agree to a future interview and he said it depended on his mood, which I completely understand. Creative types are sometimes a bit temperamental, myself included. I’m sure owning your own business can be a bit stressful as well.
P.S. Check back tomorrow for some photos from the Elle Magazine article and his workspace.
OK, consider it on the list for my next visit!
Great post – I will definitely stop by when I am in NYC.
Which magazines are you writing for now? Sounds very exciting.
I’d like to make a stop at his shop next time I make it to NY. Love the delicate coral pieces hanging on the wall especially. Thanks for all the juicy photos!
I’m so jealous! Would love to visit his shop as I’ve long been a fan. Also crazy about Astier de Villatte ceramics (and everything else they do)! Thanks for sharing the experience.
-Lana
Great post. I especially like the last photo of your finds. I’m working on vintage collages and this is a great inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing your trip to decoupage world.
Oh, how I love Astier.
I was just telling my boss the other day that for years I bitched about the late 20-/early 30-something people I know getting married (people who already have everything they could possibly need.. people who, in ark-like fashion are bringing, two-by-two, their two toasters and two sets of pots and 2 sets of silverware…) who register for even more of the same stuff. I told him I used to say I would never have a wedding registry for that very reason. It just seemed… greedy.
Well…. I recently decided that the best payback would be registering for nothing but Astier de Villatte plates and dishes, and also for Hermes. Anything Hermes. THAT, I shall tell my dear friends, is what you get for making me buy your 13th white f-ing platter from Poverty Barn.
John Derian – you will soon be shipping many, many Astier de Villatte items to Seattle, 98112. Cheers to you, man.
Suzy, you need to come and visit soon! There are so many amazing shops that are calling your name! And I have already volunteered my services!
Things that Inspire, it’s even better in person!
I’ll be announcing some magazine articles soon but not until they are published. I’m very superstitious!
Annechovie, I think the coral decoupage would look great in a beach house.
Lana, you must also plan a visit soon!
Decorno, Did you read my recent post about wedding registries? I’m with you. I don’t need any more crap. If I register it’s only going to be for exquisite china and flatware. End of story. I may also elope too so I can go on my month long African safari honeymoon. Of course, it would help if I actually had a boyfriend. Too bad JD doens’t play on my team. Oh well.
When I make it back to NY I must stop in. Thanks for sharing…I love these type of shops full of unique (and sometimes odd) curiosities.
Such a lovely feeling to your blog!
I live near the JD shop, and recently, paused to read the same postcard you bought; probably the weekend before you visited. It was part of a series of similar cards at the time I was there.
Thanks for sharing! I live in NY and will be sure to stop by the shop! I also wanted to ask if you have been to ‘Butik’? It has a slightly similar feel with curious antiques as well as some fashion. It is owned and run by Danish super model Helena Christensen and her best friend Leif Sigersen. You might like it 🙂
Me, Myself & I, You defintitely have to visit the shop! You will love it!
Les Reveurs Yeux, Doesn’t it make you wonder who wrote that note and what trinkets they wanted back?!
Maiken, I stopped into Butik about a year ago. I thought it was cute but I didn’t really want to buy anything. Maybe I will have to check it out again.