Shoot that poison arrow

(click image above to enlarge)
Let Cupid give your home a touch of decoration with some arrows...and just a touch of Neoclassicism. Here’s Mr. Peacock’s wish list of arrow goodies that even Psyche could love.

1) This vintage French gilt metal sconce with an arrow piercing the sun (one of a set of four) could add a touch drama in your home.

2) In the early 1990’s, Mr. Peacock resided at 72nd & Lexington in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. On nice days I would walk to my office near Bloomingdales. I would always pass by Gino’s Italian restaurant at 61st & Lexington and admire their iconic custom wallpaper—zebras leaping to avoid arrows (poor zebras). This zebra wallpaper was re-issued a few tears ago and comes in a few different color ways. Kate Spade has the green background wallpaper in her bathroom.

3) You don’t have to shoot zebras to appreciate the craftsmanship of these handmade arrows. A pair of arrows hung on the wall would make a graphic piece of art, or a vase full of arrows would make a chic decorative quiver.

4) If I had a yard, I would love some type of armillary sphere to hold court in my garden.

5) Mr. Peacock is swooning over this 1940’s metal chair (one of a pair) oozing with swags of decoration...and arrows.

6) Tripod arrow tables aren’t something new, however, this Golden Arrow Table has a fresh and modernist feel with the glass top.

7) X marks the spot with this 1940’s opaline topped wrought iron console adorned with Neoclassical arrows.

8) The arrows are pointing downward on this sleek 1960's polished brass tripod table (one of a pair), with a black marble top. It has a different vibe than the glass topped tripod table, but just as appealing.

9) You don’t have to limit your arrows to home décor. This graphic silver ring by Martin Margiela is pointing in the right direction.

10) A super soft t-shirt from Built by Wendy, with her iconic arrow logo.

11) When Mr. Peacock was about 12 years old, I was at a bus stop downtown with my sister and a group of shirtless 20-something guys were playing Frisbee nearby. Their Frisbee landed near us, and one fellow came over to retrieve the Frisbee. He said hello to us, and I immediately noticed his nipple was pierced with a tiny gold arrow. Mind you this was decades before piercing went mainstream, I’d never seen a pierced nipple until that moment and it fascinated me at 12 years old.

Watch out for Cupid! Have a great weekend.

Rebellious Luxury—James 3.0

James Schenck (aka James 3.0) is a modern peacock that appreciates soft t-shirts and meaningful accessories. He’s the co-founder/creative for You Macbeth+A Disgrace to the Royal Crown, a lifestyle brand of jewelry, with a sub-line of t-shirts (please note Youmacbeth.com website should be back up soon). The philosophy of You Macbeth is rebellious luxury.

This gentleman majored in Sociology at Vassar, and minored in Fine Arts. James and his best pal at Vassar, began making rings for themselves—because they couldn’t find ones that had style and meaning. Their jewelry collection includes limited edition Insignia rings and their signature double finger rings (see above). These striking rings are handcrafted, and as James says, “...Appeal to people as a type of modern-day talisman.”

In addition to being an entrepreneur, this gentleman peacock is also a talented painter and blogger. His blog, Blending Reality, addresses style and trends he spots while criss-crossing the globe from LA, Ohio, Philly, NYC and Tokyo. James also aspires to work in fashion media.

Above: A peek at James's desk.

Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your own style?
James Schenck: I like to think that it is "academic luxury," with a good sense of humor. I really like the idea of ageless fun. What inspired me in elementary school still inspires me: book covers on science text books, art class, dioramas, recess, birthday cupcakes during class, paper crowns...but now refined. I also think comfort is key.

Above: Citizens of Humanity jeans, Dior shirt, vintage sweater and bow tie.

MP: How old were you when you realized you were a peacock
James: I was always interested in the presentation of the self. I was really insecure all the way until college. Once I started studying sociology, I was able to understand myself in a greater picture. It wasn't until the end of my freshman year, at Vassar, when I switched from an observer of style to an experimenter of my own.

Above: Treasures on top of the dresser.

MP: What's your favorite item in your wardrobe?
James: Ugh. So many. Too many. I don't really shop now—I hunt. I watch and wait until I find an article that makes me swoon. I only wear what I love and what makes me feel great. I think that is most important.

Above: A contrast of colors and patterns in James's bedroom, with one of his paintings above the bed.

I never understood what dressing with confidence meant. Then I just started wearing things for the hell of it—because I loved it. Everything in your wardrobe should be your favorite. Once you don't like it, get rid of it.

Above: Animal lover wearing American Apparel deep V, strong and rich jeans, and Bally shoes.

MP: Do you have a particular item of clothing you're obsessed with?
James: It used to be t-shirts, I was obsessed with finding soft ones. Then I became an underwear guy. I liked having silly pairs. Then tank tops. I suppose I still love a good tank top. Looking around, I seem to have more belts and scarves than anything else...haha. I think it is because they are easy to try on. I hate trying things on.

Above left to right: James with his nephew and niece, wearing a Balenciaga bomber, scarf from Barney's, Levis, and a vintage belt; puppy love.

MP: Do you wear vintage clothes or only "new" clothes?
James: VINTAGE!!!

MP: Do you make any of your clothes?
James: I wish. I do have a few t-shirts from my line, You Macbeth.

Above: A tableau on the nightstand of James 3.0.

MP: Who is your ultimate style icon?
James: Hmm. Dolly Parton is amazing (see above). I like her attitude towards her look. I also think Jude Law (see below—from Dior and Dunhill ad campaigns) always looks effortless.

MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand?
James: I try not to stay too loyal to one. I think that makes you look like a poser. Saying that, there are a few stores I always have to check out.

Above left to right: AA thermal, Alpha cashmere hat; a hipster look with a friend's glasses.

MP: Any menswear trends you adore? or abhor?
James: I am just happy that menswear seems to be moving at a steady clip now. I feel like it used to be so one note for so long, and then one big shift with little variety between—there was no experimentation or alternatives. Now there are several movements that all dialogue (dandy, hipster, rocker, frat bro-keeping metro alive, futurists, hippies...) Menswear is an exciting environment. Yeah, there is some dogma, but for the most part, I love it.

MP: Any movie, book or song that changed your life?
James: Ayn Rand's—The Fountainhead.

MP: Do you wear jewelry?
James: I always wear my You Macbeth double finger rings (see below)!!!

MP: Tote bag, satchel or messenger bag?
James: LOVE THE TOTE.

MP: Do you prefer facial hair or clean shaven?
James: Facial Hair. I'm lazy.

Above: A childhood rock collection arranged at the foot of James's bed.

MP: What would be your dream purchase right now?
James: A Yacht...haha...I'd wear the F* out of it.

MP: Morning dove or night owl?
James: Night Dove.

Above: James's coffee table—Mr. Peacock loves the tureen of crayons, and the latch hook rug tapestry of a hot air balloon, in the background!

MP: What are your favorite fashion magazines?
James: Dutch was the most amazing magazine....I'm so sad it is gone. 10men, Vman, Arena Homme +, BUCK is new and AMAZING, Fantastic Man, among others...

When Mr. Peacock first saw the sublime double finger ring collection from You Macbeth, he immediately thought of his favorite high school English teacher, Mrs. Ghering. She was obsessed with Emily Dickinson, and only wore white—always white slacks, white turtlenecks, white ponchos, clear plastic mules and a perfectly coiffed platinum white wig. I digress and mention this because she always wore vintage Native American turquoise jewelry, including a stunning double finger ring (with a single band) with a large, flat turquoise stone (about 2.5 “ in diameter) resting on top. I had an entire semester of Shakespeare with Mrs. Ghering, and she would dramatically read passages aloud of, you guessed it, Macbeth. Mr. Peacock’s eyes were always fixated on Mrs. Ghering’s unique double finger ring. She was so chic and eccentric, and would have loved the unique lifestyle accessories of You Macbeth...and so does Mr. Peacock! He also admires the style of James 3.0. Be sure to stop by his blog, Blending Reality, and get a glimpse into the creative and keen eye of this modern peacock. Thanks James 3.0!