In honor of the opening of the new Chelsea Passage, we asked Simon Doonan, Barneys New York’s creative director (and author of multiple books; for more on the man, see simondoonan.net), to opine on his five favorite items for the season.

 

1 Ankasa embroidered ikat linen pillows, 20-inch square, $315 (white), $350 (orange)

“Every house needs a Sante Fe moment. Snuggle up to these crafty pillows and start channeling Georgia O’Keeffe.”

 

2 R&Y Augusti Anything & Everything shagreen chest of drawers, $5,950

“This is one of those exquisite objects your heirs will fight over. What a shame you will not be around to watch.”

 

Photograph: (Simon Doonan) © Peter Serling, 2009

 

3 Jonathan Adler Muse monumental scented candle, $295

“Full disclosure: Jonathan Adler is my husband, but even if he wasn’t, I would be a huge fan of his work, especially this oversized candle. Here’s a tip—when the wax is gone, use the vessel as a cache-pot for a bedside orchid.”

 

4 Laura Zindel ceramic butterfly dinnerware, from $42 (espresso cup and saucer) to $165 (pitcher)

“It’s the perfect dinnerware for the Obama era. The groovy butterflies are a symbol of transformation and change.”

 

5 Billie Beads porcelain piggy bank, $350

“In these uncertain economic times, a piggy bank can be very comforting. However, if you can shell out $350 for this handcrafted piece, then your financial distress is probably more imagined than real. Therefore, when piggy is full, take his contents and give it to the homeless man who lives on your block.”

Available at the new Barneys New York, 15 E. Oak St., 312-587-1700; barneys.com

 

Photograph: (Simon Doonan) © Peter Serling, 2009