A Peacock in Berlin

René Schaller is a freelance writer for the Berlin based online magazine, The Junction. Until last August, he was the Deputy Manager at the Berlin flagship store for Wunderkind (Wolfgang Joop's vision of modern elegance). This peacock has learned that you can’t buy style, although he utilizes his style expertise and unique sartorial flair as a freelance personal shopper for private clients. His goal is to work for a fashion house and to continue his quest learning about the differences between fashion and style. He's looking around and searching for his own way and is open for something new! His next plan—Milan.

Above: René dressed classically chic, in a dark blazer with charcoal grey trousers and a woolly scarf.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your own style?
René Schaller: It's not really a concept or something; I simply love to wear classic clothes and hate 'fashionable' stuff.

MP: Who is your style icon?
RS: Since I first encountered his site, Scott Schuman aka The Sartorialist, changed my style. He's given me inspiration and taught me about style.

Above: René's self-made crocheted flower (on his lapel) adds a unique flair to his outfit, comprised mostly from different seasonal pieces, from the store COS. He also adds an unexpected splash of color to the ensemble with magenta Ralph Lauren socks.

MP: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe
RS: A great herringbone hunting jacket in cashmere and a dark blue aviator coat. Both are very special pieces from Wunderkind.

MP: Do you have a particular item of clothing you're obsessed with?
RS: 1) Cardigans 2) Colored socks 3) Pants...I build my outfits around them.

Above left: Shots from the 1984 British film, Another Country, starring Rupert Everett and Colin Firth.

MP: Any movie, book or song that changed your life?
RS: Another Country changed my viewpoint—I love British countryside style. I also like the style of Jeremy Irons in 'Brideshead Revisited' and Alain Delon in 'Plein Soleil'.

Above left to right: Anthony Andrews and Jeremy Irons in the early 1980's British television series Brideshead Revisited. Poster for the 1960 French film, Plein Soleil, starring Alain Delon.

MP: Do you wear vintage clothes or only "new" clothes?
RS: I buy vintage coats and jackets, but also like the feeling of new stuff.

MP: Do you you make any of your clothes?
RS: I change buttons...

Above: René crocheting his boutonnière.

MP: Do you wear jewelry? If so, what
RS: Sometimes I wear my grandpa's wedding ring. And I wear an amber amulet around my neck, I love the color and I believe in it’s miracles.

MP: Tote bag, satchel or messenger bag?
RS: Tote Bag!

Above: René puts together a unique look with a yellow vintage leather jacket, breeches from Wunderkind, and an H&M army jacket.

MP: Any menswear trends you adore? or abhor?
RS: I don't like the dark looks—all in black is so boring.

MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand?
RS: Dries Van Noten and Marni are my favorites.

MP: What are your favorite fashion magazines?
RS: German issue of GQ-Style, Man About Town and Fantastic Man.

MP: Do you prefer clean-shaven or facial hair?
RS: Facial hair! Looks more masculine.

MP: What city has the best dressed men?
RS: I think Milano has them. The men there have that kind of 'twist'... I like how they play with colours and how they wear their scarves.

Mr. Peacock agrees with René, and also admires the style of Milanese men—they always appear to be so effortlessly elegant and well groomed. In addition to his freelance writing at The Junction, René also has a blog, It’s All About Fashion. Thank you René!