Shirts for groovy people

There is a place across the sea that is all style and yet full of substance.

​DNA Groove used to have a small shop in London’s centre called Alphabet. I can’t remember what street it was on, but I can definitely remember what was inside it; the glorious goldmine of goodies one would expect from an Italian, Mod-inspired shop. 

The first time I went (about the age of 17) I bought myself a shirt, but not just pink shirt, for DNA is all about the details. Granted, it was pink, with a contrasting black front button strip, black back box-pleat and black epaulets, so it was not exactly a subtle garment. But it also had the DNA long, signature collar and the buttons on the front were arranged in pairs, with horizontal-cut holes (instead of the usual vertical ones) and it fitted me perfectly.

The second time I went, I bought a pair of burgundy tonic trousers (yes again, wacky I know), but at that time no-one else was selling this kind of stuff so I had to snap it up! Other times, I bought different shirts, grey and black striped, blue and sky blue striped. There was a not a time when I did not feel tempted by the pure passion that obviously went into these unusual designs. 

Siena20

Siena25

Siena245

Siena75

Siena343

Siena56

Siena344

Capri79

Sadly (though perhaps understandably, given the costs associated with London property), Alphabet closed a while ago. Initially I was distraught - where was I going to find The whole business moved online, but by the looks of things, it still sells its bold-coloured, unorthodox shirts for pretty sensible prices. I’ve picked out a few of the best here so if Ben Sherman or anyone else ever let you down - you know where to turn.

As I mentioned trousers before, I feel I ought to mention they also do a great set of patterned and suit trousers, as well as jackets and other things. As is usual with these things, it’s best for you lot to get stuck in and nose around their site to find the best stuff!

I’ll leave you with a word from the DNA site itself:

“English Modernism, American Ivy League, Italian cool – this is what has influenced my designs over the years and is what I'm dedicated to. Fashion was never what I sought, as it is Style that has always been my obsession.. Since 2001 Dna has been bringing it's Italian made quality clothing online, making us the first all-Italian label selling men's clothing on the world wide web.

Limited edition, attention to detail, sharp styles, quality garments made by small, family - run Italian artisan companies, the true Manifattura Italiana. Roll collar button down shirts, fine merino wool unscructured slim cut Italian suits, flat fronted detailed trousers, fully fashioned quality knitwear, slim soled chisel toe quality leather shoes, cashmere chester coats, hand folded silk ties – a total look both for the discrete Gentleman and for the carefree Dandy.

Working with ethics has also been of great importance to me. I have always refused to work with sweat shops, re-cycling is constant, ways to avoid unnecessary waste are always kept in consideration, and have made customer care and satisfaction my priority.”