J.J. Martin is sitting cross-legged on the floor of the Broome Street Ganesha Temple, clad in a La DoubleJ patchwork ensemble that includes a pullover with sleeves that devolve into a welter of yellow feathers. Across from her sits her “sister,” a spiritual guide whose own La DoubleJ outfit—in bright orange—is only slightly quieter. “Calling our families of light,” Martin intones. “Opening up our channels, beyond the mind, the body, beyond this dimension, clearing our chakras.” I am crouched on a chair, my chakras no doubt hopelessly clogged, observing.
Martin is the American founder of La DoubleJ, the exuberant Milan-based line of clothing and home goods. From its inception, her designs have relied on big, bold prints in easy shapes—the silk “swing” dresses boast blown-out blossoms; her ponchos reference abstract…
