Designers Guild

John Derian

John Derian brings antique engravings to life through poetic, handcrafted objects. Founded in New York in 1989, his brand fuses vintage collecting, artisan techniques, and botanical inspiration — crafting a singular world that is both nostalgic and resolutely modern.

From Flea Market Finds to Contemporary Poetry

It all began when John Derian stumbled upon a box of 18th-century prints at a flea market in Salem. Struck by their timeless charm, he founded his eponymous brand in 1989 in New York’s East Village, giving rise to a unique aesthetic that blends glass découpage, vintage finds, and handcraftsmanship.

In 1995, he opened his first studio-shop, gradually expanding his world to include decorative objects, pillows, papers, furniture, and creative collaborations with names such as Astier de Villatte and Cisco Brothers.

Each creation is treated as a standalone piece, made by hand with respect for traditional techniques and a distinctively poetic take on the past.

Explore the John Derian Catalog

Our Curated Selection of Circular Fabrics

Sustainable Craftsmanship & Reinvented Memory

John Derian’s approach is anchored in local, slow, and sustainable craft:

All glass pieces are handmade in his New York East Village studio, reducing carbon footprint.
His furniture line is produced in collaboration with Cisco Brothers, a family-run manufacturer committed to eco-conscious production.
His recycling of antique images from archival prints honors visual heritage while avoiding waste and giving new life to forgotten paper.

This is an art of beauty and respect — a deeply personal and ethical vision of creation.

“ The only advice I have is to trust your instincts and pay attention to what your reactions are. If there’s something you love and you have a purpose for it, put those two together ” John Derian

Brand News

Exclusive Collaboration with The Met Museum

In May 2024, John Derian unveiled a special collection of objects for The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Each piece features engravings from his private archives, celebrating the dialogue between art history and contemporary design — a major milestone for his studio at the crossroads of decorative arts and visual storytelling.

Picture Book II – A New Dive into His Archives

Highly anticipated after the success of the first volume, Picture Book II will be released on October 15, 2024. It gathers over 375 curated prints from John Derian’s personal archive a visual cabinet of curiosities that reveals his singular universe and reverence for the reinvented past.

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