I’m really liking the new collection of needlepoint pillows over at Jonathan Adler today… Very perky and happy just like the man himself.
I vote for the belt pillow as my fave but at $165 a pop I may need a few coupons or a sale to motivate me on this one. Perhaps I’m just being cheap.
What do you think about spending $165 on a pillow anyway?
(images from jonathan adler)
Tags: pillows
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February 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 am
No way!
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
Jonathan Adler uses high quality materials and high quality down inserts. His cushions are fairly limited rung and that adds value. I think the price is quite reasonable for what you get. I often buy “To the Trade” fabrics at several hundred dollars a yard for my clients cushions, and by the time the cushions are made by the seamstress and stuffed with a high quality down insert- $300.00 is common. I like to think of toss cushions as my Manolo Blahnik’s! haha. The most I ever spent on a toss cushion for myself- $500.00 US. seriously. it’s really beautiful. made of Italian silk velvet ribbons all sewn together into a chevron pattern and backed with the most amazing royal purple silk.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
I’m with Sarah…NO way! I’d probaby have a hard time at even half that price. Maybe I’m cheap? :-)
Torys last blog post: For Baby
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
I would just do one by my own hands! Be inspired and do my own design. It looks like crochet.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Noooooo. Not spending $165 on one pillow. Ten pillows, maybe.
Kerrys last blog post: The entryway: Before and after
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
These are so gorgeous – but then again, i am in love with just about everything he does…
However, $165 for a pillow is a bit outrageous, no matter how much I love it!
domesticinnycs last blog post: A Response to a Comment to A Post
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:33 am
There is not possible!
very expensive for a pillow!
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Don’t people do it every day? It seems high, yes, but if people want to keep up with trends and have these pieces in their possession, they have to be willing to pay the price right? I like pillows in general, and I suppose if I didn’t have 4 children to buy things for, that I would find a way to justify spending the cash.
Rachel B.s last blog post: Handmade Glass Jewelry…
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
These have trendy feel and are cute & fun. While the price might be necessary to justify the construction & design of the pillows I’d rather find something else a little cheaper to fulfill this kind look. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some knocking-off or DIY projects based on these.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
I couldn’t do it. I have a tendency to look at things and think, “I could make my own,” and well, when it comes to pillows, I do. But, I have a certain style and I want variety in my home, so I will buy some. But I know also that I can find fabulous, handmade pillows at a third (or less) of that price.
I saw in a design magazine (um… I forget which one, it wasn’t mine) a pillow, made of stripes of velvet ribbon, priced at $400! Complete insanity. I could definitely replicate that look without much effort.
minouettes last blog post: The Nautilus – First edition lino block print
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
$165 for a large needlepoint pillow (FULLY needlepoint, not just the detail) with a down insert seems very reasonable to me, actually. This is the kind of thing you buy to have for years and years.
Of course it’s great if people are inspired to make their own needlepoint pillows instead (which will be less expensive, but also very time consuming), but I have absolutely no problem with a premium price being put on good design.
If I can’t afford it, I don’t buy it — but that doesn’t mean it’s “overpriced”. It just means that I either have to save up a bit, or I just have to let it go. There are lots of things in the world that are out of my price range. :)
Anna @ D16s last blog post: Glamorous Grout.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 am
From one artist to another, I completely understand the thought and love put into a creation. I truly do! But I also look at the fact that if I want my customers to be able to enjoy my work, they will need to be able to afford it! I want to share my art with the world, and with that in mind…I try to price them accordingly. :)
Jennifers last blog post: Inspiration Galore
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:51 am
I understand the name alone brings worth but couldn’t someones grandma do this for me?
I’d rather shell out for one of his white stone greyhound things.
Annemaries last blog post: You’re Goin’ to Disney World!
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Honestly, I wouldn’t pay that amount of money. Shoot, I have a difficult time paying more than $50 for a throw pillow, let alone close to $200! Their nice looking and all, but guarantee you could find them for less money.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:57 am
I definitely wouldn’t spend $165 on a pillow, but then, I’m super budget conscious when it comes to decor. Like anything decor-related, the price is always super inflated when the items are new. They are fab, though!
Amie Hartmans last blog post: The Postman was Here!
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I know $165 may seem high but these pillows are not made in China. I know in the past he has worked with Aid to Artisans http://www.aidtoartisans.org
I agree that $165 is high for a pillow made in China. However, for a pillow that is made by hand-by a person who will see some of this profit…I would spend it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I think that $165 seems like a lot for a pillow, but I’m glad that designers put this stuff out for the people who can afford it! Such things are wonderfully inspiring, and us everyday people can take tidbits of the inspiration and apply to our ordinary lives. Isn’t that what high fashion and decor is for?
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
um…I APPRECIATE the pillows, but yeah, no. although, I will say…I stayed at the Parker once in Palm Springs and there were pillows like this all over the room. They were pretty sweet. Maybe I’d put on my Christmas list so someone else could spend the money. ;)
Jane Maynard (TWFD)s last blog post: Free Giveaway! ‘Taste This’ Cookbook & Apron
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I don’t think I would spend $165. On many other things from Jonathan Adler, yes, these pillows, no.
jens last blog post: Ever notice how people and their pets start to look alike after a while?
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
As a seamstress who sews high-end pillows for a local designer, I feel that such a price is completely reasonable, if not low. I believe artisans should receive a fair, living wage for their talented handiwork, especially when things are made here in the USA. I cannot afford to pay that much for a pillow (but then again, I can make it myself), but there are plenty of people out there that will pay for $150-200+ for a single pillow with a high-quality down insert. These individuals keep me and other artisans in business for a living wage. I think there are too many artists that undersell themselves and their time, and it makes it difficult for people like me to earn a *fair* wage for handmade work. Would you question paying a plumber more than $20 an hour ($50+probably)? Why do so many artists feel their time and skill is worth less?
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I am actually a closet pillow freak. I have way too many pillows and when I go into Home Goods, I always come out with a few. That is why I haven’t been there lately. We have no space.
Back to the topic, no I wouldn’t. Maybe if they were hand-stitched, but these don’t look like they are… (can’t tell from the picture), love the colors though.
Lindas last blog post: Chinese Steamboat, Mongolian Hot Pot or Japanese Shabu Shabu
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I’m always willing to step up and pay for quality (assuming, of course, it’s within my means to do so). I’d rather have a few things I love that can last than a bunch of temporary things I’m just lukewarm about. That being said, while I love JA, I am not the biggest fan of needlepoint pillows (I find them itchy and uncomfortable and I like to actually use my pillows).
I have found though that JA’s stuff does tend to go on sale or turn up on eBay for 20-50% less. Just takes some patience, but recently what with retailers so desperate, I’ve found you rarely have to pay full price for anything.
Averills last blog post: A Whiter Shade of Pale
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Btw, just clicked over to JA’s site but did you notice that the tag line for the collection is “Granny gone wild”? I’m pretty sure JA stole that line from Kelly Wearstler when she described one of Eddie Ross’s designs on Top Design!
Averills last blog post: A Whiter Shade of Pale
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I think that any hand crafted item, when broken down into an hourly rate is always worth more than the crafter gets paid – needlepoint if done by hand is time consuming – I would want my granny to get paid more than that for one of her pillows.
I have always stayed open minded about Jonathan Adler’s products until I visited his Soho boutique last week. I found it very underwhelming with originality, so uninspiring. This man has so much talent and charisma I just wish his collections were not so obviously inspired by well known, iconic vintage design. I think there is so much more to Jonathan Adler and I am looking forward to seeing a growth spurt at some point.
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February 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I would love to be able to spend $165 on a pillow, and I agree that artists should be compensated for their work. However, it’s just way out of my price range. I can barely afford to spend $30 on a pillow, let along $165.
One day . . . one day . . .
ModernDomestics last blog post: Christmas Cards: A Study in Domestic Ineffectiveness.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
ladybirdmontoya. well said. I know it’s hard for people to understand all the costs involved in limited number items. I just want to help explain the process a bit if that is ok. I also believe the seamstress deserves to make a decent living.
1. fabric (quality fabrics do not employ children or slave labour and are usually natural content in origin)
2. Retailer- someone needs to put you in touch with the fabric manufacturer.
3. shipping. the fabric needs to get to the workroom or seamstress.
4. workroom. the cushion needs to be sewn straight, matching the pattern with hidden zipper and details.
5. all of the above for the inserts
6. the final retailer sells the product (Jonathan adler or the store or the designer)
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
if its being cheap, then add me to the cheap club.
they are lovely but not $165 lovely.
Goodys last blog post: sit a moment.
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
This is a great discussion, I really enjoy the variety of opinions out there. I love when we can have a good round table session like this now and then!
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Well, I make pillows as a side/ fun job and I try not to charge too much even though they are handmade.
Personally, the JA pillows aren’t my taste, but even if they were I would not spend that much.
I usually LOVE JA though.
Sarahs last blog post: Linen/Cotton Center Wave Pillow
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Oh just curious, did Jonathan Adler stitch these himself? If so, I would pay twice that much. ; )
Rachel B.s last blog post: A free valentine download from Indie Fixx!
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I’ve read the comments and it seems there are people who would spend and others who simply would not.
For me it’s about priorities. If you can spend that money on a pillow and don’t feel guilty and you won’t choose between food or a pillow for example, that’s ok.
Creativity and exclusivity has a price and if we accept that you also accept those premisses.
Though, I wouldn’t buy them not only because they are not totally my style but because for the same price I could buy two pillows of a not known artist:P Or… Buy really good fabric and make my own pillows:P
Sofias last blog post: Interior design in politics
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
$165 for a pillow??? That is so wrong.
Barbaras last blog post: Pour Vous…
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
To clarify my above comments- I WOULD pay this much if it was a direct-to-me-from-gran handmade item with love, but for an item that several other people will also have in their homes, it’s a little silly.
Didn’t wanna make it seem like I don’t appreciate the art form- it’s beautiful, but, as I similarly wouldn’t pay that amount for an Ikea pillow, I won’t for a JA.
Annemaries last blog post: You’re Goin’ to Disney World!
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Love the belts! And my mom’s name is Joy, so I’m digging that one.
It seems a lot of his needlepoint goes on major sale after awhile; I think I’ll wait. I scored a Camaro needlepoint pillow at 50% off or more awhile back.
Becky
becky from hatchs last blog post: Favorite Houses in Atlanta
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
The prices are way too high..I LOVE his cushions..but maybe a smaller price point would pull me in. Just being honest… : P
Jen Ramos
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February 3rd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Reading through these comments is a pretty clear indicator that we have all lost touch with where and how good are manufactured. The accessibility of cheaply-made products assembled in countries with extremely low labor costs has given us all the impression that time is not a commodity.
Jonathan Adler exercises fair business practices and employs craftspeople at fair wages through organizations designed to bring money to impoverished regions. There is a reason why the pillow costs $165. Not everything is made in China in massive quantities…
(I say this as someone who buys $5 ceramic pots at IKEA, and then winces over a $200 Adler vase — but I understand why the discrepancy exists!)
Anna @ D16s last blog post: Glamorous Grout.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I wouldn’t mind spending that much money on a nice pillow one day when I actually have money. But I think that I will always hesitate before spending that much on a pillow (or anything).
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I am crazy about Jonathan Adler’s pottery. I blogged a few days ago about how much I want the Fish Salt and Pepper Shakers (my birthday is April 22, if you are so inclined) and how much my daughter loves the anatomically incorrect vases. I will own a piece. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but it IS an extravagance.
As for the pillows, I think they are wonderful, and if they complete a design scheme I would go for it. And I would recommend it. Others have said it earlier. $165 is kinda normal in the designers’ world. And I imagine these becoming more of an heirloom.
I think there is room in every room for a little high and a little low.
Denise Smiths last blog post: Ikea Cabinets
February 3rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I know what u mean it is a lot of money for a cushion. But they are handmade and quite unique. The point would be to invest in the pair of cushions you love, that will remind upon the fashions comes and goes, and stay with you for ever. Well made things last a season and more!!!
Margarita Lorenzos last blog post: Piero’s pictures for Chocolate Creative
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
i understand why it is priced that way. and i agree with those who said that handmade is always worth the higher price – the effort that has gone into it is impressive and people will pay for that. however, i am definitely not in the situation to buy a $165 pillow, as beautiful as it might be.
i fall into the “i’ll just make one myself” camp. even though i hardly ever live up to my intentions!
lindsey clares last blog post: paisley or lace?
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I completely appreciate why a pillow would be $165, I just personally wouldn’t spend that. I would rather put that money into a nice art print or towards a piece of furniture…or a trip!
Noelles last blog post: ACEO – huntington drive – California Series
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Very nice. The most expensive throw pillow I’ve ever bought was $96 & it was handmade & I loved it the second I saw it. The second most expensive throw pillow I’ve ever bought was about $15. haha So, basically, as with everything else home related (and clothes!), I’m willing to go way beyond my normal budget if it’s true love.
sarahs last blog post: T-Rex: Not A Thinker
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
No way! Never ever ever. Not even if I fell in love with it. And that’s Australian dollars, US dollars just makes it even more ridiculous.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I live in NYC where $165 for a pillow is quite normal. I’m actually in the market for a couple of pillows, and I walked over to ABC Carpet and Home the other day. I had bought a really expensive pillow there some years ago, it was over $200, and I still love it. But imagine my shock when I picked up a really lovely velvet with embroidery pillow, about 18″ square – and clearly machine embroidered – and saw the price tag – $650.
I still haven’t recovered.
jackies last blog post: An actual post about something
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
If it’s a quality pillow and handmade and I truly loved it and it would work with what I have now and possibly later then I’d consider it. I love Jonathan Adler’s work, but these pillows? Not so much. Too faddy.
Condo Bluess last blog post: Why Solar Panels Won’t Work in Central Ohio
February 4th, 2009 at 12:08 am
They’re fun pillows, but I never pay full retail for anything if I can help it. Designs like this probably won’t really appeal to the masses anyway, so just wait a few more months and buy them on sale.
The Rural Modernists last blog post: Inspiration: Obscure New Wave album covers
February 4th, 2009 at 12:21 am
Good quality and workmanship, great design and, especially, not “made-in-China” is costly — a lot of us may not be able to afford it, but hopefully most of us can appreciate the fact that all these warrant a higher price… written by someone who will shortly be attempting to sell handmade pillows on Etsy!
February 4th, 2009 at 9:58 am
not in this economy! i’m thrifting now more than ever….
btw i do love those chairs from Tarjayy. I don’t know about the targets near you, but here in west PA our targets get an amazing menajorie of beautiful imported things (but not from china_) for only jan-feb.
check it out!
yanas last blog post: ‘My, she was yar’
February 4th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
The furniture and accessories store where my office is located has pillows for just under $400 each, so this seems like a bargain!
Actually, because I also make pillows and other soft furnishings for clients at times, this price seems very reasonable to me.
Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decoratings last blog post: Christopher Meloni’s Fabulous Manhattan Highrise
February 9th, 2009 at 10:31 am
If you have ever gotten into the craft of needlepoint, you will find that just the original designed canvases cost just as much money as this finished pillow. You add the thread and the finishing- if you are making one yourself, then these pillows would cost around 300+ per. And it would take you around four months.
This is a good price for a great design of a needlepoint pillow.
February 9th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I’ve REALLY enjoyed your comments on this, I think it’s important that we gained a little more perspective here as I think Anna @D16 is right – it’s easy to lose touch when we see 9.99 sales and have stores like Homegoods — we forget the genuine cost of labor, the real value behind products not mass produced in China.