Positively Chic—James Andrew

Above: James and his beloved dog, Rupert—fashion credits. PHOTO BY BRITT CARPENTER.

James Andrew is a gentleman peacock with an incredible zeal for life. He’s an interior designer, specializing in high-end luxury projects. His work has been shown and featured worldwide in Elle Decor, Russian Elle Decor, House and Garden, and The New York Times. In addition to being a successful interior designer, James is also a master planner, bon vivant and blogger. His passion for style, fashion, interiors, architecture, art, spirituality, and how people live all come together in his popular blog, What is James Wearing?

Above: James dining at Perla Restaurant at La Concha Hotel—fashion credits.

Each blog posting showcases what he is wearing in context to the location and what he is doing at that moment. He shares his favorite galleries, furniture pieces, places and special getaways around the globe—all the while, looking dapper and well put together. James will soon be the star of his own TV show...stay tuned!

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your own style?
James: I would define my style as classic and elegant, with a young fresh hip sexy vibe. ;-)

Above left to right: James at the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Madison Avenue enjoying the "Bedford Manor" collection—fashion credits; James at H.M. Luther—fashion credits.

MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock?
James: I must have been about 4 or 5 years old when I realized I was a peacock. I made my mother buy me these Tom Jones bell sleeve shirts with 3 buttons at the cuff—in pink and mint green.

MP: Where did you grow up?
James: I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island—just a small-town boy.

Above, left to right: Yves Saint Laurent, Steve McQueen, and Gianni Agnelli (Lapo Elkann's grandfather—note how Mr. Agnelli is wearing his watch over the cuff of his shirt, click to enlarge).

MP: Who are your style icons?
James: My style icons are the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Gianni Agnelli, Lapo Elkann, Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Tom Ford, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Above: James standing beside an 18th century Louis XV Japanned commode, at George N Antiques—fashion credits.

MP: Who or what has influenced your style?
James: I have been influenced by Vogue and GQ magazines (as a boy); books on legendary style icons; the films Great Gatsby and Thomas Crown Affair; Cary Grant films; Ralph Lauren; boutiques like Charvet; Saville Row shops; Gucci.

Above: James has an extensive library—these are some of his favorite books—fashion credits.

MP: Any book, movie or song that changed, or influenced, your life or style?
James: Books—so many style and art books...David Hicks, Jansen, Parish Hadley, Billy Baldwin and many more; for inspiration and metaphysical books I like the teachings of Abraham-Hicks (have been rocking my world), The Secret, and James Arthur Ray’s Harmonic Wealth.

Films—Brideshead revisited (the BBC series); Maurice; most Merchant Ivory films; The Sheltering Sky; and many more.


Music—Some of my fav inspirational songs are Madonna's (Beat Goes On, Nothing Fails, Push) and Christina Aguilera’s (Soar, Keep Singing My Song).

MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand?
James: Some of my fav designers are Gucci, Tom Ford, Charvet, and YSL.

MP: What would be your dream purchase right now?
James: My dream purchase would be a town house here in NYC.

Above left to right: A Riverside Park stroll—fashion credits; James at Clarence House showroom admiring the silk woven "Nouveau Bizarre"—fashion credits.

MP: What city has the best-dressed men?
James: I think the best-dressed men are in London, Paris, Rome and Milan.

Above: James looking princely in Puerto Rico at La Concha Resort—fashion credits.

MP: How has your personal style evolved over the years?
James: When I was growing up, I was enthralled by a über wasp sensibility—the ultimate prep. Then Ralph Lauren swept me away and I wore only RL for many years. Then I left RL (James worked 8 years at Ralph Lauren Home collection), my relationship ended and I was in need of a major change. I dove into a Gucci über mod 60's/70's look, very edgy and stylized, but that look became too severe—too fashiony. So I started what has become my look now—classic-elegant, sexy-young-hip.

Above: James, at Michael Taylor showrooms, sitting on a "Schiaperelli sofa," with a silvered glass mirror and palm torchiere—fashion credits.

MP: Any sartorial advice for gentleman peacocks?
James: My advice for gentlemen Peacocks would be to be true to yourself! Celebrate yourself and your individuality—whatever you do, wherever you are. Make sure it makes you feel good, and enjoy it. Let go of any pre-occupation with what others will think of you. Spread your wings and soar; be fabulous and share your light with the world. You have your own special and unique take on life.

Do you remember Jame's gorgeous apartment published in Elle Decor a few years ago? Mr. Peacock has had James amazing apartment clipped out from Elle Decor (Dec.03/Jan.04 ) and pasted in his journal (see above) for years! Take a peek at more of James Andrew's exquisite interior design work—click here.

Above: James enjoying a cupcake at Billy's—fashion credits.

In addition to being stylish and talented, this gentleman has an incredible joie de vivre and optimism for life. What an inspiration! Thanks James!