Known for his whimsical point of view that takes classic forms and drenches them in pop culture wit, designer Jonathan Adler recently joined forces with legendary resort Flamingo Las Vegas to freshen its feathers. Through the partnership, Adler created an exclusive flamingo lamp installed in the hotel’s newly renovated rooms, an in-store retail line featuring everything from poker chips to coasters, and a glorious hand-beaded artwork for the new Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse that took more than 100 hours to create.
At 73 years old, the Flamingo is the oldest operating casino on the Las Vegas Strip and a historical treasure that was originally helmed by mobsters Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lanksy. Adler, the master of American modern glamour, shares how he made magic with this rare bird.
What was your first reaction when Flamingo Las Vegas came knocking?
I opened the door—talk about iconic. I have been a huge fan of the Flamingo forever. And to me, the Flamingo is Las Vegas and Las Vegas is the Flamingo. So to be able to help put my imprint on a Vegas icon was thrilling.
How did you approach designing signature accents for the resort and for its retail?
It started with my interpretation of the bird. One of my favorite things is that the collective noun for a group of flamingos is a flamboyance. I think that captures the spirit of the Flamingo itself, which is memorable, bold, and flamboyantly stylish.
The exterior of Flamingo Las Vegas
What was the design process like?
I went out to Las Vegas and soaked up the vibe. My work always involves trying to create a sense of place and I’m inspired by singular locations and projects. Flamingo Las Vegas is so evocative. I was bathing in its history, and the formation and stylization of the lamp is fueled by the vibrations of the place itself. I met with the executives and researched archival images—all of which informed the designs.
What is your role as a designer?
My job is to be like a slimming mirror for my clients—to reflect them as their most glamorous selves. Every day, whatever design idea I have, I think it’s going to be the thing that will change the world. One has to have that kind of delusional spirit in order to make things.
Since this project came to fruition during the pandemic, how did you handle the install?
I did it virtually. As a designer, I’m so hands on. I started out as a potter, I am a craftsperson, and it’s been very interesting learning to navigate my design world virtually.
You have now contributed to the design of two iconic desert resorts—the Parker Palm Springs and Flamingo Las Vegas—how is the aesthetic different?
The thing they have in common is they were hideaways for the Rat Pack, but two different experiences. It’s a difference in volume. Palm Springs is an eight on a dial of 10 and Las Vegas is an 11.
Which Rat Pack member are you?
I would have been Sammy. I’m Jewish. Plus, he had all the best jewelry.
The bar area at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse features a hand-beaded artwork designed by Adler
