Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Since founding his company in 1989, John Derian has enchanted the design world with his poetic decoupage, transforming centuries-old imagery into objects that feel both nostalgic and timeless. From his East Village studio, where a devoted team of artisans continues to craft each piece by hand, to his much-loved New York shops filled with antiques, textiles, and curiosities, John Derian has built a universe that is as soulful as it is beautiful.
Now, he brings his singular vision to the dining table with a new collaboration with Summerill & Bishop, London’s purveyor of artful linens. The collection features four of his most iconic motifs—the painterly Color Wheel, the all-seeing Eye, the radiant Sunflower, and the ethereal Sleeping Beauty—reimagined across luxurious tablecloths and napkins. It is a joyful meeting of two design houses devoted to craft and beauty, one that turns the simple act of dining into an evocative tableau that feels both storied and enduring.
To celebrate the launch, we had the pleasure of asking John all our most pressing questions and discovering more about the imagination and creativity that fuel his extraordinary world.
Q: You have such a distinct visual world. When did you first begin collecting and curating beautiful objects, and how did that instinct evolve into your design business?
A: I’ve been collecting things since I first went to Brimfield Antiques Flea Market with my sister around age 15 (1977). I’ve just continued to collect things that I love and that catch my eye. I love sharing my finds with other people, which turned into business.
Q: Which historic figure or designer do you wish you could shadow for a day?
A: I’d love to shadow anyone from the 18th century; Paul Revere would be fun.
Q: How has your approach to design evolved over time?
A: My approach has always been finding beautiful things and then figuring out how to best translate the image into a product others can enjoy.
Q: What’s one object in your home that tells the best story?
A: I have an 18th Century drawing of a young man that I’ve had for years. Now that I think about it, the drawing has a sort of calming force that keeps me grounded.
Q: If you could time travel to any era for a day, where would you go?
A: Probably 18th Century England.
Q: How do you stay creatively fueled?
A: I love to continuously move things around in my shops and my home to give me a fresh perspective.
Q: Tell us about your latest collection with Summerill & Bishop and how it came to life.
A: The collaboration came about very naturally, I’ve always admired their work, and we had mutual friends. They carry some of our collaborative products with the French company Astier de Villatte, so it all just made sense.
Q: What’s the most unexpected influence that’s shaped your career?
A: Maybe not so unexpected, but I was definitely inspired by the Bloomsberry Group in the early 80’s. I loved painted finishes. I worked for a painting company for about eight months in Boston when I was younger that may have shaped my path. Besides that, nature has really been my biggest career influencer.
Q: Where do you enjoy sourcing antiques and art?
A: I find a lot of amazing things in the south of France. So many great antiques dealers come from all different countries. I’m always finding things wherever I travel.
Q: What are you working on next we can look forward to?
A: I’m working on some funny hand beaded things for the holidays….top secret for now.
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To discover more about John Derian, his shop can be found here. And follow along on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. We also recommend his beautiful new book John Derian Picture Book II.
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Love his designs. Thank you for sharing!
What a marvelous interview! Great questions!