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From Home Furnishing Business
Fortune Chair Presented by JUMBO at DWR
May 19,
2024 by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
The new indoor/outdoor chair designed by JUMBO joins a growing assortment of furniture and accessories from Heller at DWR.
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,” say designers Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee. “We are thrilled to bring our aesthetic vision to life with the team from Heller.”
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,” says Omar Nobil, VP, Creative Director: Product Design and Brand Creative for DWR. “We love the forward-thinking yet nostalgic spirit that the Fortune Chair represents and are proud to offer it exclusively at 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 dwr.com and DWR Studios across the country.