Heller Introduces the Fortune Chair by JUMBO at Design Within Reach
JUMBO’s First Project for Heller Invites Joy, Luck, and a Modern Sensibility to Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Alike
Westport, CT (May 17, 2024) Heller is thrilled to debut the Fortune Chair, which will launch exclusively at Design Within Reach, Inc. (DWR) and Heller during NYCxDesign. The new indoor/outdoor chair designed by JUMBO joins a growing assortment of furniture and accessories from Heller at DWR.
President and CEO of Heller, John Edelman, came across JUMBO on Instagram and immediately knew they embodied the essence of Heller. Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, the design duo behind JUMBO, are guided by their joint interests in reductivism, whimsy, and gastronomy. As self-characterized “foodies,” JUMBO’s Fortune Chair was inspired by and named for the iconic cookie.
The Fortune Chair was heavily influenced by Lee’s background. She grew up in Taiwan, and upon emigrating to the United States at the age of thirteen had her first fortune cookie, a memorable experience for the budding creative. Lee was enamored by the cookie’s iconic composition – the pinched-circle shape, concealed message, and clear cellophane wrapper. Later when Lee met Donnelly in architecture school, their love of Chinese food and simple, expressive design bonded them and furthered the creation of the Fortune Chair. The result is a playful yet sophisticated indoor/outdoor lounge chair that joins Heller’s “Next Generation of Modern” designs.
“The Fortune Chair represents the epitome of a Jumbo project—it is symmetrical, commodious, and food-themed. We are thrilled to bring our aesthetic vision to life with the team from Heller.” Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, Designers and Co-Founders, JUMBO
With its puffed and pinched appearance, offered in six rich, food-inspired hues – Oatmeal, Cookie, Olive, Tomato, Dark Cherry, and Licorice – the Fortune Chair can’t help but bring smiles to the room, mirroring the reaction of cracking open the classic treat to reveal hidden wisdom.
“Heller’s selection of both iconic and contemporary modern pieces naturally fits within our assortment. We love the forward-thinking yet nostalgic spirit that the Fortune Chair represents and are proud to offer it exclusively at DWR.” Omar Nobil, VP, Creative Director: Product Design and Brand Creative for DWR
The Fortune Chair is 100% recyclable and made in the USA using a high percentage of recycled post-consumer plastic. Launching during NYCxDesign 2024, a special mini exhibit featuring Heller’s iconic portfolio with a spotlight on the Fortune Chair and its design process will be on display at DWR’s 57th and 3rd Studio in New York (957 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022) throughout the summer.
The Fortune Chair is now available for $1,175 through hellerfurniture.com, dwr.com and DWR Studios across the country.
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About Heller
Heller began in 1971 and from the outset has been known for the true meaning of modern. Their timeless, functional designs are created without ego by some of the world’s greatest architects and designers - Frank Gehry, Massimo & Lela Vignelli, and Mario Bellini to name a few. Heller products have claimed the distinction of international design awards from the Compasso d’Oro to NeoCon and are featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and recently, to the permanent collection at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Heller continues to work with new technologies to create innovative products, explore new processes, and create a more sustainable, transparent manufacturing process for the future of design. Made in America, with a strong commitment to sustainability, Heller will take back any of its products (and even pay for shipping) at any time during its lifecycle. Perfect indoor and outdoor, Heller is found in homes, restaurants, museums and offices around the world. We are proud to be the first company to work with the Digby Design Authenticator, guaranteeing authenticity in our designs and sustainability of our products for the future.
About Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach is your source for modern living. Founded in 1998 with a mission to provide access to the best in authentic design, the company curates classics from design icons and cultivates next-generation talent to deliver an evolving breadth of product that can only be found at DWR. With a solution-oriented approach, the company offers the expertise and services needed to support the way people live today. Headquartered in Stamford, Conn., DWR sells its furniture and accessories to residential, Trade, and commercial customers through retail Studios in North America, via the web at dwr.com, and by phone at 1.800.944.2233. Design Within Reach, Inc., is part of the MillerKnoll collective.
