Crazy for Patchwork!

You already know that Mr. Peacock loves plaid. But what could be better than plaid? Patchwork plaid!

My favorite plaid item in my wardrobe is this pair of vintage Brooks Brothers wool, patchwork plaid pants (above). I look forward to the holiday season each year, when the weather cools and I can wear my plaid patchwork pants...or as someone once remarked, “my clown pants.” I like to wear them with a black cashmere turtleneck sweater and black leather combat boots. The fabric is made up of different wool plaids that are sewn together to create the patchwork. I’m assuming the different plaid fabrics of these pants were excess fabrics from other Brooks Brothers products at the time—probably from the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. I found them at a thrift store on the Upper East Side (Manhattan), when I lived on 72nd and Lexington in the early 1990’s. The waist size was huge when I found them, but I purchased them anyway, because I was so enamored by the patchwork and craftsmanship of the pants. My tailor looked at me in horror when I brought him the pants, but he worked his magic on them and I’ve cherished these "clown pants" ever since.

If you would like to add a cherished patchwork piece into your wardrobe, here’s some ideas:

These slim fitting, narrow pants are made with different wool tweeds and cotton corduroys in muted browns and grays. They’re on sale here.

My dad would have loathed this jacket! But Mr. Peacock thinks this festive patchwork tartan tuxedo jacket would be perfect for a holiday soirée! It's also on sale here.

Maybe you want something less daring than a patchwork jacket or pants? These patchwork driving caps are both functional and handsome looking. Buy the brown hat here, and the gray hat here.

This scarf, in a patchwork of holiday looking plaids, could become your favorite winter accessory. Buy it here.

Here’s a shirt from the playful British menswear designer, Satyenkumar, that's more "pieced" plaid, than patchwork.

Mr. Peacock loves the two different plaids together. It looks elegant and modern with the blue velvet jacket. You can buy it here.

Still not sure about patchwork? Well, here’s a decadent Italian patchwork silk blanket, with velvet lining, you can curl up in while you decide. Stay warm!

Photog Supreme—Norman Parkinson

Mr. Peacock took this photo of the late British photographer, Norman Parkinson, in the late 1980’s at the International Design Conference in Aspen, Colorado. The theme of the conference was entitled, Outlook: Views of British Design. Norman Parkinson was a key note speaker, while Mr. Peacock was attending the conference as a student. My chum, Allison, and I stalked him for the entire week of the conference—cornering him any moment he was alone to talk with him and ask him questions. This gentleman peacock was tall, lanky and very tan with a prominent mustache. I was quiet star struck and mesmerized by his dapper and eccentric style. Mr. Parkinson was always so gracious and witty. I took 2 different photographs of him, and of course I asked his permission each time. The other photo I shot, is a portrait of him sitting down, unfortunately I can’t find it, but if I do, I will post it later.

A self -portrait with a model from the 1970’s.

He gave a lecture entitled, Just Take the Picture, in which he shared anecdote’s about his five decade career as a leading photographer. He told many witty stories, and I remember one in particular, in which he was comparing current female models to models from previous decades. He explained that he arrived at a photo shoot to photograph some swimsuits on a very popular model of the day. He noticed the “cleaning woman” come in and go straight to the hair and make-up room. He kept wondering when the model was going to show up, not realizing that the “cleaning woman” was the model. After hours of hair and make up, the model was ready to be photographed. He said models from previous decades didn’t need hours of hair and make-up or retouching to make them beautiful—they were natural beauties and you could photograph them without any make-up. And just who was that “cleaning woman” model? ...It was the Australian model, Elle Macpherson.

Mr. Parkinson had his first one-man exhibition at age 22, in 1935, that included portraits of Vivien Leigh and Noel Coward. He was recruited by Harper’s Bazaar to take photographs after the exhibit. In 1947, he meets, photographs and marries the promising young actress, Wenda Rogerson. Wenda produced many of his most famous images. In 1949, he began working for American Vogue. Over the years he shot many famous images of Dovima, Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, and Jerry Hall—just to name a few. He had such a great sense of humor and that really comes through much of his work.

In this self portrait, he’s wearing the same belt that he was wearing in the photograph I took of him. I love it when peacocks wear their favorite wardrobe items over and over again, but in different ways.

This portrait of Mr. Parkinson was taken in 1960, by Terence Donovan.

In this shot from 1962, Mr. Parkinson wraps model, Celia Hammond in a sheet, and joins her in the shot.

This photo from 1949, for American Vogue, is one of my favorite Norman Parkinson photographs. I love the blur of the New York City taxi in the background.

Mr. Peacock also likes this graphic image from the late 1960’s.

You can buy a high quality Norman Parkinson art print of this iconic photo of Jerry Hall,taken in 1975 for Vogue Magazine, here. It would look chic in a chrome frame hanging in a bathroom. You can also purchase limited edition, hand processed color prints here, from the Norman Parkinson Archive.

I feel fortunate that I was able to meet and hear Norman Parkinson talk about his life and ideas, because in 1990, while on an assignment, he passed away at age 77. His own peacock style was as iconic as his photography. There are numerous books on Norman Parkinson’s work that you can buy here, and add to your library. I’m sure you’ll recognize many of his iconic images. Thank you Mr. Parkinson for both your photographic and sartorial inspiration!

Are you a grower and a show-er?

This Wednesday evening, December 17th, is the annual Mustache for Kids: San Francisco ‘Stache Bash 08. Hundreds of participants across the country and in Canada have raised over $150,000 for children’s charities by growing a mustache for Donors Choose. Mr. Peacock has been known to grow a nice bushy ‘stache now and then, but has never grown his mustache for charity—and unfortunately missed the starting date for this fun event. Mustaches for Kids SF was able to raise about $23,000 last year for the Breakthrough Collaborative, a non-profit organization that helps low-income children to succeed in school.

This isn’t a free for all stache-a-thon, there are some rules to the madness. On "Clean Shaven Day," November 11, the growers all shaved bare as a baby’s bottom to ensure they all started off with a clean slate. Over the next month, only hair above the lip is allowed. All other hair must be sheared weekly to maintain the integrity of the ‘stache. No sideburns, no soul patches and absolutely no beards are allowed.

The mustache extravaganza will have rounds such as: the Guinness Beer Foam Retention Test, the Mustache Haiku, and other challenges devised to determine the "Sweetest Stache" at the Bash. Each ’Stache Bash participant is expected to raise a minimum of $50 by soliciting friends, family, and strangers for donations.

All of the photos shown, are from last year’s ‘Stache Bash (both contestants and attendees) and are courtesy of photographer, Grover Sanschagrin. You can see all of last year’s photos and purchase prints here, with all proceeds going to the Breakthrough Collaborative. Check out Grover's other amazing photography here.

This 'Stache Bash begins at 8:00pm at the Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, click here for more details or directions to the club. Stop by and see the ‘staches and have a cocktail—it’s for a great cause. If you missed the “Clean Shaven Day” you can still make donations here, but if want to participate and show off your mustache prowess you’ll have to wait until next year's 'Stache Bash.

A Sweet Paul holiday...

Paul Lowe is a food, prop and interior stylist extraordinaire—based in Manhattan. This native Norwegian, relocated to New York from Oslo to live, love and of course do his beautiful styling work (see photos below). Most people start thinking about the holidays when the stores throw up the red and green decorations, but stylists are thinking (and working) on "holidays" almost year-round—in order to meet magazine and book deadlines. This peacock is also a cookbook author and avid crafter. Check out his blog here, appropriately titled, Sweet Paul.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your personal style?
Sweet Paul: I guess you could say I’m a Ralph boy. I order most of my clothes online, and 90% is Polo. I wish I could fit into more fashionable clothes, but no.

What are you gonna be wearing to holiday parties?
Corduroys, check shirt, tweed blazer, boots and a long stripy scarf.

What's on your wish list for Santa this year?
1. Live in maid
2. Goyard luggage
3. A craft room
4. Tons of art books

How are you going to celebrate the holidays this year?
We will be in New York. We have our own tradition. Christmas Eve we go to stay 3 nights at a nice hotel in the city. Love staying in a hotel in my own city. You don't have to run around to see any sights. Just chill, order room service, massages, go for a swim etc... love it!

Do you host a Christmas or New Year's meal at your home?
No I don't. This year we will have Christmas eve dinner with my, friend and photographer, Frances Janisch and her family.

Do you do something traditional every holiday season?
I do make a pork roast every Christmas. I do it the Norwegian style with crackling and serve it with red cabbage, potatoes and a yummy sauce. But I always think its best the day after, served cold and thinly sliced on good bread, sweet mustard and lots of pepper. And always served with Aquavit.

Do you decorate your home for the holidays?
Very simple. My man is Jewish, but we do have a small Christmas tree. Because of my work, I'm usually kind of tired of Christmas when it comes aound. That's one of the reasons we book ourselves into a hotel. I used to decorate a lot, but now I don't really feel the need to do it.

Do you make food gifts for your friends and family at the holiday?
I bake cookies and give to friends and family. Love to wrap them in little boxes with ribbons. I have done this for like 20 years now.

Any cooking or decorating tips or ideas for the holidays?
This Fig Bruschetta, is a very simple and good appetizer for your Christmas or New Year party. And it's easy to make!

Fig Bruschetta ala Sweet Paul
Serves 12 as an appetizer

1 tablespoon butter
3 large shallots, thinly sliced
1 cup ruby port wine
4 peppercorns
1 bayleaf
6 slices of good bread
200 g pâté (Mr. Peacock says use a nice slab or about 8 oz.)
8 figs, quartered

Melt butter in a small skillet.
Saute the shallots until soft.
Add port, peppercorns and bay leafs.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is reduced to a thick syrup.
Cool.
Toast the bread and top with pâté.
Cut in half.
Serve with the syrup shallots and figs.

Mmmm, Mr. Peacock might have to make some Fig Bruschetta this weekend—and buy a bottle of Auqavit too! You can see more of Paul Lowe’s gorgeous work here. Thanks Sweet Paul!

The messy fun of glitter!

Mr. Peacock lived on the top floor of a sixth floor walk-up (next door to the original Sullivan Street Bakery location) in Soho for years and once hosted a big tea party in my flat. It was really an excuse to drink cocktails with lots of friends, but with the addition of homemade little scones, tarts and tea sandwiches. This apartment was a modified railroad flat, with the bathtub in the kitchen. You had to walk through my bedroom to use the toilet. It was in a separate little room with a small window, that you could see the World Trade Center through. An acquaintance of mine, Missy, was exiting the little toilet room (after a few cocktails) and had glitter all over her...and glitter all over the bathroom. She then proceeded to track glitter through my entire apartment—bedroom, kitchen and living room. "What happened," I gasped! Missy nonchalantly replied, "Oh, a bottle of glitter broke in my purse, sorry..." "Why do you even have a bottle of glitter in your purse?" I asked. Missy said, "Oh, ya never know when you might need it." I wasn’t mad, or actually I couldn’t be mad, because Missy was such a sweet person and so creative and crafty. She just loved glitter! And she also made amazing collages too.

I used glitter to make the place cards this Thanksgiving. They were super easy to make, I just used the tip of the glue bottle to “write-out” each name on a dried leaf. I used a square baking pan, with a piece of construction paper in it as my “glitter box.” After I put the glue on the leaf, I would put the leaf in the “glitter box” and sprinkle the glitter liberally over the glue and wait a few minutes. Then I gently tap the leaf to remove the excess glitter into the "glitter box."

Here's my "glitter box." At the end it's very easy to clean up—just pour the excess glitter back in the glitter bottle.

You could use this same technique to put a name or monogram on a small wrapped gift.


1) Draw your design with glue, and let it set for a minute or two.
2) Cover all of the glue liberally with glitter (over your glitter box)
3) Let dry for about 10 minutes and then tap away excess into your glitter box.
4) Allow to completely dry for a few hours before rubbing or stacking other packages on top of your new glitter monogram.

This Martha Stewart "8-Pack Glittered Bird Note Card Kit" would make handsome cards for the holidays.

Everything you need is included in this sweet little kit: 8 cards and envelopes, 5 containers of glitter, paper, 8 double sided bird sticks (no glue needed)….and it’s only $9.97. You can buy it here.

Mr. Peacock Gocco printed this little bird in a top hat, chirping a song, for a holiday card a few years ago. It’s hard to see in the photo, but I sprinkled super fine silver glitter over the ink while it was still wet, just to add a little sparkle. The glitter also added a "vintage" feeling to the cards. Then I tapped the excess glitter away into my "glitter box."

This regal bird is already glittered, and it would look nice nestled in a bow, atop a big, wrapped gift, buy it here.

Martha Stewart has an amazing color palette of glitters to add some sparkle and fun to leaves, birds, whatever you like...but remember it can be very messy too, if you’re not super careful. I vacuumed glitter in my Soho apartment for years, after Missy’s spill. I think I even had little glitter bits in my bed, so make sure you use a "glitter box." Happy glittering..."ya never know when you might need it!"

"Smokem if You Gotem"—Erik Foss

Mr. Peacock recently stopped by Gallery Three, down on 6th Street, a few doors down from the cafe, Tu Lan. If you’re familiar with that block, then you know there is a strong smell of urine with homeless and “shady” people wandering around and hanging out. Gallery Three, is like a diamond in the rough on this block. Their current show “Smokem if You Gotem” is a solo exhibit of the artwork by New York based artist, Erik Foss—curated by Justin Giarla.

This oversized piece of the American flag, with Erik Foss in front, is made entirely of homeless people's signs—with red, white and blue spray paint.

"It Is What It Is"

The location of Gallery Three is an appropriate location for Foss’s artwork, which makes a commentary on some of the social problems and complacency in our country.


He uses photography, stencils, paint, collage, paper, assemblage, and installation (I think whatever moves him)…to create his art. You know Mr. Peacock loves a good collage!

"Freedom"

After I left the gallery and waited for the trolley car, I reflected on Erik Foss’s show and it left me feeling very melancholic...but hopeful. Hopeful in the sense that our new President will address some of the problems facing America that people don’t like to talk about, including homeless people. There are homeless people everywhere in our country, but it’s just more obvious in larger cities.


Gallery Three is a satellite gallery of the Shooting Gallery SF, click here for more information. If you were at Art Basel in Miami Beach last week, you might have seen the Shooting Gallery SF booth at the AQUA Art fair. Erik Foss's "Smokem if You Gotem" is up through January 10th—don't miss it!

A Peacock in Ohio...

Drew is a peacock who resides in the lovely city of Cincinnati. He's a graphic designer, a knitter and a big fan of mid-century furniture.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your style?
Drew: I would call it "mod, youthful designer with a hint of humor." It's a mix of all black, sleek, typical designer/architect duds, mixed with current trends—and always some humor. I always joke that they handed me an all black uniform when I got to design school. I do wear a lot of black and gray mainly because it's easy. Oh, and I always have a bag. Friends tease me by calling it a purse. I just like to have "stuff" with me...gum, pens, camera, check book, etc. It's hard to carry all that in my pockets.

What are you wearing in your snapshot?
Scarf: I wanted a huge scarf, so I knit this one up in a few weeks.
Jacket and Shirt: Banana Republic outlet
Pants: I bought these at a Gap in London
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack
Bag: Prada store in NYC
Sunglasses: Target

What's your favorite item in your wardrobe?
I have few favorites for different reasons...
—Of all my bags, my large Prada is my favorite. I love that I can carry it by the handles or by the strap. It's also big enough to carry a chihuahua...kidding.
—I have two Kenneth Cole jackets that I love. A leather biker jacket that can be dressy or casual. And a sleek nylon jacket with an asymmetrical zipper that goes with everything.
—I love my UNIQLO skinny jeans that I got in NYC a year ago. They go with everything and fit me really well.

Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand?
I wish I could buy everything at Prada. I can't, so I settle for brands like Gap, H&M, Guess, Heritage 1981, Limited Men. When I splurge, it's brands like Kenneth Cole and Agnes B.

Who or what has influenced your style?
Definitely my mother's refined, yet, not-too-serious style has been an influence. Also, my design school professors educated me on the importance of recognizing and supporting good design.

Oh, and by the way...my parent's have an actual peacock! They live in a woods with lots of land. The peacock just showed up one day. They called around to see if it belonged to anyone and couldn't find a home for it. So they kept it. The peacock’s name is PC.

Be sure to stop by Drew's vintage housewares shop, Kitsch Cafe, over at etsy...and check out Drew's blogs: Drew-O-Rama and Design Cincinnati. Thanks Drew!