Purple, encompassing shades from deep aubergine to the palest lilac, can add a sophisticated touch to your wardrobe. The color is historically associated with royalty; in the 80’s purple immediately brought visions of Prince—a royal of his own kind. Many peacock gentlemen wear purple...peacock icon, James Andrew, elegantly wears all shades of this regal color; and the peacock artist, Emile Norman, likes to wear his signature purple Converse sneakers. If you don’t already wear purple, start with a belt and then work your way up to a shirt or jacket. Here are some purple goodies that will get you started…
1)Pantone has a plethora of purple colors...and your coffee or tea will definitely taste better sipped out of this purple colored Pantone Mug(spot color 2583).
4)Mr. Peacock loves these steely lilac oxfords. They would look great with a dark suit or even just your favorite jeans.
5)The Fine and Dandy Shop always has a selection of economical pocket squares in various shades purple of purples.
6)Thank you Marc Jacobs for your “special items.” There are always bargain treasures, and these purple and navy web belts for $20 are worth their weight in gold for adding a bit of purple to your wardrobe this spring. 7)These slim fit purple jeans take be back to high school. They would look chic with a navy blazer.
At right: Menswear designer, Michael Bastion, showed purple trousers paired with a plaid jacket at his Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection. Why wait until the fall to wear purple, be inspired now!
Above video: Whenever I hear Prince, it reminds me of my late sister, Theresa. We saw Prince in concert numerous times together—we loved him in the 80's. She first turned me onto him with this album.
Jaime Hayon is a Spanish artist/designer who’s a whirlwind of creative energy and vision. He left his hometown of Madrid as a teenager in the early 1990’s, and went to San Diego to submerge himself in skateboard culture and graffiti art. He then landed a scholarship at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. In 1996, he went to work at Fabrica,Oliviero Toscani’s creative agency for Benetton.
In a short time he was promoted from student to head of their Design Department, where he oversaw projects ranging from shop, restaurant and exhibition conception and design to graphics. He broke out on his own in 2004, with collections of designer toys, ceramics and furniture, followed by interior design and installation. Above: A ceramic candelabra.
The common thread in all of Mr. Hayon’s projects is his inimitable grasp of form, style and color, combined with his sensual and whimsical touch.
Mr. Peacock first became enchanted with the work of Jaime Hayon after he saw his award winning bathroom collection.
The collection is sleek and sensual, without being too feminine or trendy. I’m not sure what I like better—the pieces in black, or in white?
In 2007, Jaime Hayon designed the restaurant interiors of La Terraza del Casino, one of Madrid’s most traditional member clubs. I love the plates mounted on the ceiling!
His Showtime Collection for BD Ediciones de Diseño is a home furniture collection inspired on classical MGM musicals. The concepts behind these pieces explore the contrast between what is external and internal and combines innovative material combinations like plastic and leather.
The Fantasy Collection for the Spanish porcelain brand, Lladró, clearly illustrates Hayon’s ability to make magic of the unexpected. The piece on the right, would be a perfect cake-topper for Tula at Whorange.
This chair is at the top of Mr. Peacock’s wish list right now! It’s from a twenty-two piece wood collection, from Hayon's first collaboration with Ceccotti.
I also like his lamps.
Mr. Hayon also designs shoes for Camper.“I wanted to make a simple shoe but one that had character, in solid colors...”
Limited edition pieces for Baccarat; and Grid vases manufactured by Turkish artisans. The first book about Jaime Hayon, published by Gestalten, presents the full spectrum of his work. Order a copy here.
Jaime Hayon said last year in the New York Times,“...not knowing everything can be an asset when you’re creating, because you’re not limited by what you think is impossible...you can always find someone to help with practical ideas—what matters most in the 21st century is having a great concept.”
Above: A piece from The Fantasy Collection, and Mr. Hayon living out his fantasies!
This creative gentleman definitely has an infinite amount of unique concepts. Take a look at his extensive work at his Hayon Studio website.Mr. Peacock salutes his creative vision, and can’t wait to see what’s in the future creative pipeline from this inventive peacock. Bravo Mr. Hayon!
Note: All the portraits of Mr. Hayon were a collaboration between himself, and the Dutch photographer Nienke Klunder (his girlfriend).
Above: Mr. Peacock standing with the lovely Lotta in a photograph from her book, Simple Sewing. We're both holding very cute and easy tote bag projects from her book.
Mr. Peacock first became a fan of the textile artist and entrepreneur, Lotta Jansdotter, and her work around 2000. My friend, Felicity, gave me a small white zippered linen bag, with two charming drawn birds, silk screened in black, on the outer surface—I was immediately hooked on Lotta's charming style.
Her organic style has a wonderful Scandinavian aesthetic, and rightly so—Lotta is a native Scandinavian girl from Åland, an island between Sweden and Finland. In 2006, Lotta relocated her studio to Brooklyn, from San Francisco.
And Lotta's been on many blogs over the years! She recently took a moment from her hectic schedule while in Tokyo, where she was working on a new book, to answer a few questions for Mr. Peacock.
Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your own style? Lotta: My style is very simple, organic, personal, playful and a little bit "wabi sabi."
Above: A sampling of wonderful fabrics that Lotta has designed over the years.
MP: What's your favorite Lotta item—current or past? Lotta: REAL hard to say—hard to pick out one of your favorite "children."
At the moment I really like the new stationery collection I have created with a Japanese company. It will be on the Lotta Jansdotter website soon.
Above: Lotta has designed some very charming charming children's soft toys, but this little dog has to be Mr. Peacock's favorite.
MP: What city has the best-dressed men? Lotta: Paris comes to mind.
MP: What would be your dream purchase? Lotta: A nice piece of land by the water in a secluded spot on the island of Åland, where I am born, and my husband can design a house for us. He is an architect.
Mr. Peacock especially likes the tote projects (see photo above) from Lotta's Simple Sewing book.If you’re crafty, or want to be crafty, the book has many great projects for crafters and sewers at all levels—it even comes with patterns tucked in the back of the book.You can buy a signed copy of Simple Sewinghere. Lotta also has other great books on printing and clever handmade projects.
Lotta Jansdotter is very popular in Japan and this Japanese book, Lotta’s Lifestyle, from a few back, takes you around San Francisco to her favorite spots—and a stop by her apartment too. You can order one here.
Lotta will be celebrating the launch of her latest book today, Simple Sewing for Baby, from 6-8pm at her Brooklyn Studio. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and sip some rose wine and stitch a cute little project from the book—more information here. If you’re on the West Coast, Lotta will be signing Simple Sewing for Baby on May 16th in San Francisco.
Also mark your calendar for Lotta’s surface printing workshops in August,September and October. The emphasis of the workshops (see photo above) will be on printing using easy techniques (like stenciling, printing with linocuts and even potato printing!) anyone can use at home without special or expensive equipment. More information here.
Above: An Etsy tour of Lotta's first Brooklyn studio, in 2007. Her current Brooklyn studio is located here.
Mr. Peacock can be at a high-end store, or just perusing the aisles at Target and see the influence (and imitators) of Lotta’s earthy and simple Scandinavia style. Most of the other stuff, however, lacks the charming nuance and heartfelt love of Lotta’s work. Stop by Lotta's website for news about classes and new projects. Thanks Lotta, and congratulations on your new book!
A man and his peacock—Castro Street Fair, circa 1991.
Mr. Peacock is a bit under the weather (no Swine Flu here) and over-extended right now, and will be taking a brief blog break.I extend my apologies, but will be back on Friday—bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Thank you for reading Mr. Peacock. See you Friday!
Todd is a New York peacock with an immaculate sense of style, and a keen eye for detail. Whether he’s taking the subway (6 Train) to work, or at a soirée with friends—he’s always impeccably dressed from head to toe!
Above: Todd is wearing a two button single vent sport coat in billiard green raw silk; lavender point collar, barrel cuff shirt; trousers in espresso tropical wool; olive green made-to-order shoes; tie in brown and bronze striped silk; pocket square in brown, bronze and orange paisley silk. Photographs of Todd by TOBY WORTHINGTON.
His charming and witty blog, Stirred, Straight Up, with a Twist, is permanently set at 1962 (give or take a decade), with an appreciative nod to the past—and yet always in the present with style, glamour and a sense of humor. It's like stumbling upon a chic little nightclub in Manhattan. You know the kind, no sign and an unmarked door—but when you enter through the door a whole world of style and glamour appears...and of course cocktails, amazing music, entertainment, hotties and some naughtiness!
Todd also exquisitely crafts a weekly playlist for his blog. This eclectic and sophisticated soundtrack sublimely segues from Frances Faye, to Pizzicato Five, to Mel Tormé, and then to Tavares—always creating a desired mood and tone. Todd uses the same refined taste and sophistication in creating his, seemingly effortless, gentleman style.
Mr. Peacock: How would you describe your style? Todd: The description "classic, with a twist" seems awfully clichéd, but I suppose it will have to do until I think of something better! I don't dress to shock, or to be outrageous, or to be noticed—I dress to please myself, to suit the occasion, and to feel and look good. For me, that means good tailoring, good fabrics, unexpected use of color, and comfort.
MP: How old were you when you consciously realized you were a peacock? Todd: I don't remember when I wasn't. My favorite thing to do, when I was very, very little, and had a day off from school, would be to "dress up" in my grey flannel trousers, pink oxford shirt, navy school blazer; dab my father's Polo cologne on; and watch old movies on television with a "highball" glass filled with ice cubes and "scotch" (ginger ale).
Above: Impeccable and chic—two button single vent sport coat in billiard green raw silk; lavender point collar, barrel cuff shirt; trousers in espresso tropical wool; tie in brown and bronze striped silk; pocket square in brown, bronze and orange paisley silk.
MP: Where did you grow up? Todd: In the suburbs of Connecticut. When I was growing up, I couldn't wait to get out! Now, as I get older, I find myself re-embracing the past a bit more.
MP: Who's your style icon? Todd: Cary Grant is an easy answer, of course. I think Fred Astaire is woefully underrated as a men's style icon—always dapper, always elegant, always correct. And he made it (like his dancing) seem absolutely effortless and part of his natural grace. MP: Who has influenced your style? Todd: I honestly can't recall ever consciously copying or studying someone else's specific look or style; although, I'm sure I was heavily influenced by the classic movies I grew up on. It's all been trial and error; and believe me, I've made more than my share of errors over the years! But I'm constantly honing and refining what works best for me. I think you have to be ruthless in your appraisal of yourself and your style, and in this economy, who can afford to make too many mistakes?
Above left to right: Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, in 1953, on the set of "The Band Wagon"; looking sharp with a boutonnière, circa late 1940's.
MP: Do you have a favorite menswear designer or brand? Todd: This is a touchy question for me, as I don't really think that labels or brands should necessarily factor into someone's style, per se. Let's just say that certain designers work better for me than others, and quality often doesn't come inexpensively. Having said that, spending all of your hard-earned money on a luxe, high-end designer wardrobe still won't guarantee you chic or elegance or style unless you're choosing wisely and eliminating ruthlessly.
MP: What's your favorite item in your entire wardrobe? Todd: A pale, robin's egg blue silk mohair sport coat.
MP: Have you had any sartorial disasters that you can share? Todd: Oh, God. Short denim cut off's and combat boots. If there's Fashion Purgatory, I'm headed there solely for that disaster.
MP: Are there any menswear trends you abhor? adore? Todd: I abhor trends. I love individuality.
MP: Any item you are looking forward to wearing this spring? Todd: I'm looking forward to buying a snappy boater from Rod Keenan this season.
MP: Tote, satchel, or briefcase? Todd: Overnight bag for travel, briefcase for work—any other time: pare it down, gentlemen, to where you don't need a purse.
MP: Do you wear vintage clothes, or only "new" clothes? Todd: I love my vintage watches (see above); I have three from the 1920's and 1930’s, which I cherish. I wish I had the patience to search out beautiful vintage clothing, because I love the idea of having something completely unique and with a history; but, alas, I don't.
MP: What's you favorite time-period for menswear, and why? Todd: I love the early 1960's for its breezy, Continental feel; and also the 1920's and 1930's for the sheer elegance of the period.
MP: What's been the biggest change in your personal style over the years? Todd: My style itself, although it's definitely been refined over time, hasn't really changed all that much. But what has changed is my becoming more attuned to color and its possibilities; I look at it as a challenge. For instance, how do I take a pair of olive green made-to-order shoes and make them a seamless part of my style, rather than, “Hey, look, he's wearing green shoes!”
Above left to right: It's all in the details! Trousers in beige tropical wool, maple handmade shoes, socks in beige and yellow argyle print; trousers in espresso tropical wool, olive green made-to-order shoes.
MP: What's been the biggest style lesson you've learned? Todd: I've become much, much more concerned with quality and fit as I get older and wiser; I've become more cognizant of buying things to last—timeless fashion, as opposed to fleeting fads. There are designer, fashion-y things I bought in my 20's, which I wish to God I could take back and exchange for something that would be a part of my permanent wardrobe! Also, never, ever wear anything strictly for the sake of effect or affectation.
Mr. Peacock admires gentlemen, like Todd, who have found their own style (even though they may continually refine it) and boldly wear what they like and what suits them, regardless of what the popular opinion is. Todd has a great sense of humor, and clearly appreciates the finer things in life: good music, quality clothing, and custom made shoes. Be sure to stop by Stirred, Straight Up, with a Twist for some inspiration, eye-candy and wit. As Todd states on his blog, “...the problems of the real world can be solved with a touch of glamour and a dash of style.”Mr. Peacock sure hopes so! Thank you Todd!
Spring is here, and plaid/tartan is everywhere...mostly shirts and shorts. Here are a few plaid/tartan items, minus the shirts and shorts, that are on Mr. Peacock’s wish list right now.
1)Woolrich Woolen Mills creates classic American products with simplicity and authenticity—and this Plaid Vest is no exception. This vest would be great worn over a chambray shirt and khakis while hitting the pavement in the city, or with a t-shirt and shorts while walking through the woods. More information here.
2)This Plaid Lightweight Hooded Cotton Windbreaker is such a great piece—and it’s on sale too! Buy one here.
3)Mr. Peacock loves this Late Regency Mahogany and Caned Library Chairwith a tartan seat cushion. The castors would make it a great desk chair! More information here. 4)Every gentleman peacock needs a pair of Belgian Loafers...and why not a pair of Gray Plaid, with Black Trim, loafers! Order a pair here.
5)Pulling your calling card out of this Antique Tartanware Card Case would be very chic. The tartan is “Stuart” and originates from Scotland from around 1880. More information here.
6)Want to add just a bit of tartan to your outfit this spring? This Plaid Web Belt would do the trick. Buy one here.
7)This Antique Tartanware Tea Caddy would make a great addition to Tartan Scot’s collection of Tartanware! Mr. Peacock loves the shape, and the dual storage compartments—originally used to store tea. It would be great on any gentleman’s dresser to store your watches, cufflinks, and other trinkets. More information here. 8)This cover of this Rizzoli book, Tartan-Romancing the Plaid, has an iconic image of Linda Evangelista’s from the Steven Meisel plaid story photographed for Harper’s Bazaar in the early 1990’s (loved those images). There are many books on plaid/tartan, but this one would be a nice addition to your library. Order one here.
I don't know about you, butMr. Peacock has a closet full of way too many t-shirts. And I’m still always on the lookout for another great t-shirt to add to my collection—the softer, the better too!
I can almost smell the ocean when I look at this Dune Grass T-shirt—it makes me want to walk barefoot on the beach.
Mr. Peacock has a soft spot for the Fred Perry laurel wreath—and it looks handsome on this t-shirt. I also like this grey griffin t-shirt. This doodle t-shirt takes me back to drawing with a blue Bic Ballpoint pen in junior high school science class. These illustrations of random antiques and strange collectibles are a bit more sophisticated, however, than my junior high scribbles.
This pair of shirts reminds of the summer of 1984. The neon yellow and blue palm trees t-shirt, has kind of a homemade feel—which is fun and very 80's. The black t-shirt with white dots looks like big galaxy of stars. It also makes me think of stippling my clothes (jeans and t-shirts) with bleach in the 80’s. It looked cool, but your garment smelled like bleach for a few washings. I like the graphic simplicity of the "hills" on this t-shirt.
This squirrel playing the drums t-shirt makes me laugh. It’s silly, but it would be a great t-shirt for lounging around the house on weekends. It also comes in different colors—more information here.Mr. Peacock loves the “Scorpio” t-shirt on the right. They stock every zodiac sign, but I didn’t like the graphic for my sign, Gemini—but maybe I could become an honorary Scorpio. The placement of the graphic on the shoulder is a nice touch too.
Good ole Paul Bunyan says “goodbye nature” on this super soft organic cotton t-shirt. More information here. How about an iconic converse sneakers t-shirt, or a line-up of owls t-shirt? This is my favorite t-shirt. After thousands of washings it’s become paper-thin and super soft; the ink is cracking too. I’ve seen The Smiths numerous times in concert, but I never bought a t-shirt. I found this on eBay for $2 about nine years ago. I probably wear it too much...but it’s so comfortable.
(click image above to enlarge)
