It's a slightly unfortunate name, if you don't mind my saying so, putting me in mind of Snoopy Snoopy Dog Dog or Ice Tea (Ice Cube? Ice Something). The cotton shirts on the website, however, look competitively priced. Something to do with John Simons' new shop, aren't they? Anyone's boat already floated? Or is it just more hype?
... And I was chatting to Claudio yesterday... (How many times do I start posts like this?)
Claudio's guys are manufacturing some of JS's designs for him. Maybe in the future JS & C. might collaborate togther on the designing front... it's early days yet.
C. informs his stuff for JS will be ready for next month.
It will be JS stuff, not DNA stuff, it's important to note - DNA standards of production & JS standards of design.
I've heard and read nothing but favourable comments about DNA Groove. Most of the clothes are too (obviously) moddy for my tastes, but that is totally irrelevant to the fact that Claudio knows his stuff and is simply a great guy who deserves every support from people who are interested in smart dressing IMO. The collaboration with JS is another thing to be applauded....
'Moddy' indeed: the very first thing that struck me. However: 'moddy' with a bit of style, um?
Claudio is a top chap, I tried to help him out with some new packaging, but in te end, the manufacturers in Italy got difficult about the proposal.
He is very respected over on MC, I don't have any of his clothing myself, but have been tempted by the shoes and trousers. All very well made gear and if JS is stocking it, i think that says a fair bit.
If he is very respected over on MC, then I think that says an awful lot.
Last edited by Alex Roest (2010-08-11 01:59:52)
If they replace the insulting Chinese-made Haggar half-sleeve, so much the better.
Talking of JS BTW, will the new shop be staffed by the old guard or by Young Turks? This aspect of it bothers me more than a little, especially if I am going to be making the long haul from here to Victoria. I intend using a few of you well-heeled younger gentlemen as guinea pigs before I commit myself.
The Familiar Faces will be there.
JS isn't stocking DNA clothing I don't think, it will be Claudio manufacturing JSA label items designed by Mr. S.
All being well I'm meeting up with Claudio next month If I can drag my carcass up to The Smoke so he can see & photo some items from the ol' Ivy collection.
Claudio is a top fella. I have quite a few of his shirts, all well cut, styled, and made. If you're on the fence, DNAg is worth a punt as you won't be disappointed.
As I say, the shirts featured on the website look all right for the money. I doubt if I'd go out of my way if I can buy Brooks from DM.
Claudio is indeed a gent and knows his stuff. His clothes are great quality - I have several shirts, a couple of strides and a suit, and they're excellent - though my taste is veering now to a far purer Ivy style, so I don't really wear them any more. However, I wouldn't use the word "moddy" in a perjorative sense - Claudio is all about Mod style .........
I don't mean to run the guy down. I've no right, no cause. I don't know him or his stuff. I'm an old dog willing to learn new tricks. Up to a point.
My September Gig with Claudio is just to sit with him to show him real old Ivy threads & for him to handle them & photo them.
He IS interested.
He's all about DNA - And my collection of old Ivy clothes have Ivy DNA since about 1955...
- And so he is a wise man. To really know any style always go back to primary sources. Note the original style & construction & do with it what you will.
No shortcuts.
Want to learn Natural Shoulder?
Just go back to the real Natural Shoulder & study.
Easy. If you put some work in.
My limited experience of the Italian jacket suggests good balance in the shoulder area. My limited experience of the Italian shirt suggests a quality often far greater than a modern American shirt.
Coincidentally I am wearing a dark blue suit of Claudio's today. Besides that I don't own much from DNA Groove, I am floating in a different sea. Never met him personally, but he truly is a gent to deal with. Chapeau to someone like him who is independent and yet has a complete men's range on offer.
Some of the shoes would interest me, but they were only available in those Italian midget sizes. There are men out there who have FEET instead of ballet hopping tootsies, damn.