Tweed Run Kit—2010

The Tweed Run bicycle jaunts have come and gone in London and San Francisco, but don’t let the spirit of the ride end now. These peacock provisions are both functional and handsome, whether you’re cycling to the market or just taking a Sunday stroll. Plus, you’ll be prepared for next year’s Tweed Run!
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1) Sure, a pair of brogues would look fantastic, but these handsome leather and burnished suede boots would be more practical while your pedaling through the grime of the city. Order a pair here.

2) This tweedy plaid rose would look quite dapper pinned to your jacket as a boutonnière. More information here.

3) Driving gloves are essential for the gentleman bicyclist, and these perforated and strapped beauties from Dunhill would be quite chic while holding onto the handlebars of your bike...or even while carrying a bag of groceries. More information here.

4) Hark back to a time when dapper gentlemen (see photo at right) rode high wheel bicycles. Mr. Peacock loves the graphic simplicity and color of this old-time bicycle t-shirt! Buy one here.

5) This safari inspired herringbone tweed shooting jacket has all of the elements that Mr. Peacock likes for his expeditions including: epaulettes, leather buttons, plaid lining and roomy pockets for supplies (ie…your flask, see #9). Order one here.

6) This roll-up wool Pendleton blanket would come in handy at Dolores Park, sitting on the damp grass while you’re waiting for the San Francisco Tweed Ride to begin. You can either throw it over your shoulder with the straps or carry it by the leather handle. This reversible camp blanket would also come in handy when you go hiking or for a picnic. Get one here.

7) This Dutch bicycle is at the top Mr. Peacock’s wishlist, however, I would have some trepidation leaving this vintage inspired bike parked on city streets. More information here.

8) I don’t think there’s a Rod Keenan hat that isn’t on Mr. Peacock’s wishlist! This wooly Tyrolean inspired hat, with the feather detail on the side, would be the icing on the cake for your Tweed Run ensemble. More information here.

9) This whiskey flask could hold your distilled beverage, or I guess if you’re a teetotaller— some warm Cambric Tea would be nice. More information here.

Dreaming of Shangri La

It’s been a rainy week in San Francisco, but I’m thankful because California is suffering from a drought. These rainy days, however, makes me daydream of being on a warm beach somewhere.

Mr. Peacock took this photo of Jason, on Christmas Eve a few years ago, on a beach in Kauai.

Mr. Peacock and his partner usually make a pilgrimage during the winter holiday season to the Hawaiian Islands, however, this past holiday season we stayed home and didn’t travel. A few years ago, on a trip to Oahu, we toured the Doris Duke estate—Shangri La, which is maintained by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Doris Duke built the estate from scratch, after her around-the-world honeymoon in the early 1930’s. I'm assuming she named it Shangri La, after the concept of Shambhala or maybe even the novel, Lost Horizon.

You have to purchase and make reservations for the Shangri La tour through the Honolulu Academy of Arts, which I believe is also funded through an endowment from Ms. Duke. Our reservation was in the late afternoon, so we spent the first part of the day at the Honolulu Academy of Arts admiring their lovely collection of Asian and European art, which is displayed in traditional old school style galleries. We felt like we were alone in the galleries most of the time and it was a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu. Then we had a lovely organic lunch at their Pavilion Café, which served very Californian cuisine on Heath Ceramics, and then we boarded the bus to Shangri La. There were less than a dozen other people on the bus, and we were probably the youngest and the least conservative, but everyone was very polite. We drove through Honolulu traffic for about a half an hour to a suburb on the other side of Diamond Head.

As we entered the Doris Duke estate, it did not look like much from the outside—a circle drive, with what looked like a single story structure and a pair of camels at the entryway. A very nice docent lady greeted us and led us through a gate on the right side towards the gardens.

The gardens are classically Islamic—very symmetrical and geometric, with water and shade. We were instructed to stay on the path and with the docent.

The size of Shangri La is deceiving, because the architecture and design of the home is so graceful and intimate. Mr. Peacock was immediately imagining moving in, and how to incorporate his own belongs into the décor.

The house is built on a cliff, with the structure of the home wrapped around an interior (outdoor) courtyard. The courtyard is tiled with a patchwork of tile (many of the tile sections are from Ms. Duke's trips) and has columns with inlaid mirrors.

The living room has a huge custom sectional covered in a wide wale corduroy, that looks like something current from B&B Italia or Ligne Roset. I had to keep reminding myself that the house and most of its contents were from the 1930's. Doris Duke was, in both her taste and her beliefs, very daring and modern.

The dining room was huge and could accommodate large parties, but still felt intimate and cozy.

We didn't get to see the bathroom or the bedroom, due to renovations. Both rooms are made with inlaid marble, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Ms. Duke, in fact, brought many workers and craftsmen from the Middle East and Southern Asia to work on Shangri La.

Mr. Peacock adored the hypnotic Islamic typography on the geometric tile work, which included quotations from the Qur’an.

Towards the end of the tour (which was my favorite part), an older man from India, who had been a longtime assistant for Ms. Duke, told anecdotes about Doris and Shangri La. He said she loved to swim everyday in her pool with all of her children—8 dogs. He also told us that she was both thrifty and crafty, and would frequently be up on ladders repairing and replacing loose tiles, and often gluing bric-a-brac on things around Shangri La. I love that about Doris Duke!

Above: Doris Duke in the 1930's, Doris Duke's Shangri La booklet, Arabesque—Modern Arabic and Persian graphic design book.

The architecture and planning of the estate is fascinating, but too lengthy and detailed to chat about here. If you want more information about Shangri La, I recommend purchasing the booklet here. The recent book, Arabesque, is about modern Arabic and Persian typography and graphic design. You can order a copy here. There are also many wonderful books about the principles of Islamic gardening here.

Above: We were served juice on this terrace at the end of our tour. You can see Diamond Head, off in the distance on the left side.

If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu, make sure you add a visit to Doris Duke's Shangri La to your itinerary. More information and reservations here. Until then, you can take a virtual video tour here. Enjoy!

Tweed Run—San Francisco

You’ve probably already seen the London Tweed Run, but not to be outdone, San Francisco had its own version of the Tweed Run last Thursday evening. My friend Felicity and her beau, bundled up in tweed and peddled in this inaugural SF Tweed Ride! Take a peak at more photos here.

Mr. Peacock's Naughty Napkins

It’s been about 8 years since my friend, Felicity, hosted her bi-weekly Stitch’n’ Bitch parties at her place. She’d invite all of her crafty pals and have loads of Chinese food delivered from our favorite neighborhood restaurant, The Four Seasons (which has since closed). We’d eat, drink, gossip, listen to records, and work on our individual projects, which included: knitting, crocheting, embroidery and general mending. Her apartment was a crafter's dream, with three different sewing machines, huge worktables, and fabrics and yarns spilling out everywhere.

Mr. Peacock wanted a simple project that didn’t consume all of his attention, allowing him to embroider and to chat with everyone at the same time. I decided to embroider a set of 8 naughty cocktail napkins based on Jean Cocteau erotic drawings.

I kept it simple and used white napkins with black embroidery thread. My first napkin wasn’t too provocative, and looked exactly like Mr. Cocteau’s charming original line drawing. Here's a few of the finished cocktail napkins.

As the weeks progressed, my embroidery wavered a bit from Mr. Cocteau’s drawings, becoming a bit looser. Someone commented that the “private parts” kept getting larger and larger on each napkin. I was a bit embarrassed and hadn’t noticed how large I was embroidering the “private parts.” I blamed it on the beer.

I’ve used these Naughty Napkins dozens of times over the years, at cocktail parties at my home, and they're always a great conversation starter.

Mr. Peacock found some wonderful appliquéd and embroidered femme fatale napkins, in the 1990’s, at a shop on upper Madison Avenue that carried Pratesi Linens. I purchased a blond one for myself, and redhead as a gift for a lady with panache I know in Manhattan. I believe these napkins were imported from Italy.

The blond femme fatale napkin immediately reminded Mr. Peacock of the 1940’s pin-up girl Betty Grable. The napkin is made with delicate appliqué, with embroidery details on her face, nipples, legs and shoes.

I thought these delicate and provocative girls were the cutest things I’ve ever seen embroidered. I now wish I would have purchased an entire set of these pin-up girl napkins.

The details are simple, but sublime. A shear organza fabric nightgown is appliquéd over her body.

I’ve used this naughty girl napkin as a pocket square over the years—with her face seductively peaking out of the top of my pocket. This needle work bombshell always intrigues and enchants people.

The Modern Boutonnière

As of late, Mr. Peacock has noticed an abundance of peacocks sporting boutonnières. Mind you, most of these peacocks aren’t wearing boutonnières in the traditional sense, which was usually reserved for formal occasions such as weddings or proms, but are donning this floral decoration in a more casual and modern manner. I think it’s a subtle nod to nature, and also a way of making your own mark in this cookie-cutter world of mainstream menswear. The cashier at my local market looked casually dandy last week, with an artificial sunflower (about 4” in diameter) pinned to the pocket of his denim jacket. I also noticed an acquaintance, at a beer bust (of all places), wearing a real flower pinned to his cap. That probably doesn’t qualify as a boutonnière, but you get the idea.

Historically, the boutonnière has symbolized a sense of sartorial elegance—and it still does.

Many great men have worn boutonnières including: 1. Muhammed Ali 2. Oscar Wilde 3. Marcel Proust 4. Fred Astaire 5. Yes, even Captain Kangaroo wore a boutonnière 6. Pete Townshend 7. Duke of Windsor 8. James Cagney.

These modern gentlemen also have donned some sort of boutonnière in their wardrobe:

1. Jean Paul Gaultier 2. Robin Renucci 3. Tom Ford 4. André Benjamin.

Numerous fashion designers have also been favoring a modern boutonnière. The Dsquared2 boys showed some boutonnières at their Fall 2009 Collection (see below).


Dean & Dan Caten, the Canadian designer twins of Dsquared2, looking classically elegant after their runway show (see above)—adorned with red boutonnières, which appeared to be crumpled and pressed red satin.

Menswear designer, Antonio Azzuolo, also showed boutonnières with his dapper Fall/Winter 2008/09 Collection.

Philip Lim showed crocheted boutonnières adorning his jackets. Creative peacocks like, Rene in Berlin, crocheted a boutonniere in his own style. If you like the look of this handmade flower, but don’t crochet, you can order one here (see photo above).

Mr. Peacock has always fancied black silk roses worn as a boutonnière. I’ll push the silk flower stem through the lapel buttonhole on my YSL suit or pin one to my vintage blue gingham jacket (see above). You can find very economical silk flowers at fabric stores. I've also been known to snap off a leaf or flower when exiting my courtyard, and hastily pin that to my jacket—which also adds a fresh touch to your outfit.

Peacocks like Cator Sparks, or Bart in New York, have always appreciated the virtues of an elegant boutonnière. If you’ve never worn a boutonnière there's a few things to keep in mind when making your selection. It is important you choose (ask your florist/flower stand person) a flower that has a mild fragrance and one that will stay fresh for an extended length of time—like a rose or an orchid.

Carnations or Bachelor Buttons are also good boutonnière candidates, they both have a very light fragrance and won't wilt very easliy. If you want a flower with a stronger perfume, try a Gardenia. Steer clear of a Shasta Daisies (traditional white petals and yellow center) as a boutonnière, due to their strong unpleasant smell, but Gerbera Daisies are okay, because they don’t have an odor. You can be even more daring and non-traditional and wear a zipper rose (see right photo) as a boutonnière—order one here. What’s you favorite boutonnière flower?

Homage to Fennel

Fennel is one of the oldest cultivated plants and was held sacred by Anglo-Saxons for its power against evil. Every part of this amazing plant, from the seeds to the root, is edible and delicious. Fennel is related to anise, but is much milder. Both fennel and anise are in the carrot family. The Italians have always appreciated and utilized fennel in side dishes, salads, breads, cookies, cakes, pastas, risottos, sausages and meatballs. Many Indian and Middle Eastern cultures use fennel seed prominently in their cuisines. Most Americans, however, seem to be unfamiliar or appreciate the versatility of Fennel.

You’ll see invasive wild fennel along most of the highways in central California (see photo above-on the left side). This wild fennel, or "freeway fennel," is very woody and has no bulbous root like its Mediterranean cousin, which is found in most supermarkets. You can use wild fennel as a bed to grill fish, or use its pollen from the golden flower heads to flavor fish or vegetables. To get the pollen, you simply cover the flower head with a paper bag, and tap it a couple times and catch the pollen in the bag.

The stems on most of the fennel found at American markets is usually too tough to eat, but if you have fresh young stems they can be chopped and added to salads. The leaves look similar to Dill and can chopped for salads, sauces, or soups.

The bulbous base of Fennel can be sliced or grated raw and added to salads or sandwiches. Trim off the bottom and tough stems on top. It’s great thinly sliced and dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The bulb can also be braised, sautéed, or fried. Mr. Peacock is quite fond of Fennel Gratin, but only serves it on special occasions because it’s so rich. You can make it with a béchamel sauce or just cream.

Mr. Peacock even uses fennel toothpaste. It’s mild anise flavor is a nice alternative to the harshness of some mint flavored toothpastes.

Fennel is mainly known as a culinary herb, but also has several medicinal uses, including as a remedy for flatulence. Indians frequently offer candy coated fennel seeds, or mukhwas, after meals to aid digestion (see photo above). I like to serve them sprinkled on ice cream after spicy dinners.

Mr. Peacock's Ice Cream with Fennel Candies
I love the creaminess of the vanilla ice cream contrasting with the sweet, crunchy mild anise flavor of the fennel candies. They're like candy sprinkles for adults.

• Good quality vanilla ice cream
• Fennel Candy—very inexpensive and available at Indian Markets or online here.

Pour the candies into a small dish with a spoon. Let everyone sprinkle the candy on their ice cream to their taste—I like a heaping spoonful!

If you’re not familiar with fennel, please try it! Buy a bulb or two today at your supermarket and add some to your salad or make Fennel Gratin for you sweetie on Valentine’s Day. It’ll also keep away the evil spirits on this Friday the 13th. What’s your favorite way to eat fennel?

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln

“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.” Abraham Lincoln

President Lincoln was born 200 years ago today and many of his ideas and values are just as relevant today as they were in the late 1800’s. Mr. Peacock would like to salute the legacy of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, with a wish list of red, white and blue goodies.
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1) Thom Browne was thinking about tennis, and Wimbledon when he designed his Spring/Summer 2009 Collection. Mr. Peacock thinks this striped red, white and blue tie was pulled right off the edge of an airmail envelope. Whatever the inspiration, this stylish tie would add some flair to your spring wardrobe. You can buy one here, through February 14th.

2) These stylish and patriotic boots, commemorating the USA’s victory in WWII, won’t be available until this fall, but put them on your wish list right now. They’re the result of the collaboration between über-hip Duckie Brown and traditional shoemaker, Florsheim Shoes. They’re only producing 1945 (clever reference to the time period) pairs of this dandy boot. This special Duckie Brown line of shoes will also include some beautiful wingtips, loafers and modern saddle shoes ranging from about $200 to $600.

3) Brooks Brothers red, white and blue knot cuff links would look splendid on your French cuff shirt. These economical knot cuff links come in a variety of colors too, so you could color coordinate them with all of your outfits. Order a few pair here.

4) This limited-edition tote bag, from Tommy Hilfiger, features photographs by the late artist, Jeremy Blake, who tragically passed away in 2007. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this iconic tote will fund a new Free Arts NYC photography program for low-income children in New York City. The bag itself is made with high-density canvas and leather detailing. More information here.

5) Fred Perry’s red, white, and blue Webbing Belt could become your favorite accessory this spring. Buy one here.

6) Mr. Peacock has seen many adjustable arm lamps, but never in a red, white and blue color palette. This striking Multi Arm Floor Lamp from the 1950’s, plus each arm is adjustable too, so you can direct the light specifically to your needs. More information here.

7) Even Abraham Lincoln could appreciate the wit and charm of this silk and linen Skull & Crossbones Striped Bow Tie by Hickey. Order one here.

8) This patriotic top hat was originally used as a trade sign for a tinsmith in the early 1900’s. You can’t wear this quirky over sized metal hat, but it sure would look great as a decorative object in an ultra modern home. More information here.

9) This red, white and blue ensemble, by Jil Sander, was shown recently at her Spring/Summer 2009 Collection show. The tri-colored jacket would be fantastic with jeans, however, Mr. Peacock probably wouldn’t wear the jacket and pants together. More information here.