This week I read Digging for Dirt: The Life and Death of ODB, an account of the rollercoaster sad, flamboyant, up and down life of Wu-Tang Clan rapper ODB. Author Jaime Lowe and publishing house Macmillan have been sued by ODB’s former manager Jarred Weisfeld, over allegedly libellous content. You can read a good article about the controversy here.

I can’t think of a suitable segue, not one that’s sufficiently respectful to ODB. However, assuming the book’s portrayal of the man is accurate, polite deference might not have been what he wanted. Nevertheless I’m going to break abruptly and move onto a completely different subject…

…clothes.

Davicore’s ‘site continues to go from strength to strength, with new offers and new brands coming in practically on a daily basis.

Have you checked out their Franklin Marshall range for an authentic American collegiate look? This turquoise blue V-neck is my favourite FM product on the ‘site and I love that you can scroll your mouse over the graphic and get a close up view of the item before you buy.

I’m also loving the new range of Old Glory polo shirts (remember, polo shirts are big for Spring/Summer 2010). With colourful, crisp graphics that evoke classic gentlemen’s sportswear and mod elements they are definite winners for summer with the added advantage of being 100% cotton and machine washable.

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This week I thought I would jog your memory about some essential and easy to wear menswear trends for Spring/ Summer 2010. Draper’s Online predicts polo shirts, cardigans, V-neck knits and checks as big for the coming season.

Good news! Davicore’s online catalogue is crammed with a huge selection of items that tick all those boxes. I’ve already mentioned Voi Jeans poloshirts. You could also check out (excuse the clunky pun) the new-in shirt from Ritan and a very nice short sleeved Mish Mash shirt, which – added bonus – is currently on sale. Who said that being up to date on trends needed to cost an arm and a leg?

One of my favourite new additions to the Davicore catalogue is this cardigan from Aggressor, which combines the V-neck and cardigan trends and alludes to the military influences recently seen on menswear catwalks.

That’s all for this week. Have a good one.

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You may have the best, most stylish clobber in the world but unless you’re well groomed you’ll be letting yourself down.

So, just in time for Valentine’s Day, I am delighted to present an interview with the charming Carmelo Guastella, a male grooming expert who has worked with numerous celebrities including Sacha Baron Cohen and Rio Ferdinand. He has been profiled by Arena and GQ magazines amongst others. Carmelo recently took the time to share his experience and expertise with Davicore fans.

Carmelo, how did you find your vocation of male grooming expert?
When I was 9, in Sicily, my father told me it would be a good idea for me to acquire a skill that would allow me to earn a living. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do until I started visiting a friend’s father’s barber shop after school My friend taught me how to hold a brush and by the age of 11 I could shave and cut hair. I was financially independent. Things developed from there. I cut hair in the army, spent two summers working on The Emerald Coast and cut hair at top hairdressing salons in Turn. I wanted to work in the UK as I was born in Surrey so in 1999 I started working at The Refinery, in London. I now work independently in a more private atmosphere, just me and my clients. I also have an accountancy degree.

What are the essentials of male grooming?
Pay attention to the things people will see first. You will be judged by the quality of your hair and skin. Dry skin and shaving irritation will create a bad impression, as will a poor haircut. Make sure you are well shaved. As the beard and stubble are in at the moment, if you wear either, make sure that they are well groomed with a natural look rather than with strong, harsh lines. Stubble is up to a week’s growth of hair, a beard anything longer.

What in your opinion is great style?
Wearing clothes with confidence, knowing what suits you and staying up to date with current trends without being defined by them.

Can you suggest a simple 20 minute grooming routine for someone who doesn’t have much time?
Wash and condition your hair. Shave. Apply moisturiser. Trim excess hair from your nose, eyebrows and ears with scissors, clippers and safety scissors.

It’s coming up to Valentine’s Day. What would you suggest as a good grooming routine for a man who wants to impress his partner or date?
Start with a great haircut and a clean shave, or well groomed stubble. Smell nice, apply deodorant, exfoliate and use a self-tanning product without going orange.

What’s the secret to applying aftershave perfume? Do you just splash it on?
Don’t put it directly on your face. Spray it all over your body from a fair distance and dab on the neck area and pulse points.

How do you avoid ingrown hairs when shaving?
Shave with the grain, in the direction of hair growth. Do not shave every day; let stubble grow for three days. Make sure you use a soothing gel or moisturiser afterwards to repair any damage. Proper shaving technique is the key to avoiding ingrown hairs. Most men don’t know how to shave.

What are your most popular treatments at present?
My haircut and shave, which is almost half a facial. Also, my hair and scalp treatment, which addresses the condition of hair and scalp separate from the cut.

What are the essential products every man should have in his bathroom cabinet?
Shaving oil, to prepare the skin before shaving. As in all ventures in life, preparation is essential to a good shave. Also moisturiser, an exfoliator, eye gel and face wash.

To find out more about Carmelo or to book an appointment visit his web site

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This week I’m delighted to post an interview with English menswear designer Lou Dalton. After an apprenticeship in bespoke tailoring and pattern cutting, Lou gained a degree in menswear from the Royal College of Art. She then worked as a design consultant in Italy and London. The Lou Dalton brand was launched in 2005 and is now widely stocked across the UK and in Japan. Lou has also collaborated with TopShop and Rodnik.

1. As a designer, what led you to focus on menswear? 
It was a natural progression, I left school at 16 & started as an apprentice with a tailor back in my home town of Shropshire. The majority of the work was  Menswear shooting jackets. At that age you are incredibly impressionable. Menswear is far more of a challenge I believe.

2. What are some of your current inspirations?
The jacobite rebellion & the ban of tartan during 1745.

3. What are the ingredients of great style?
Being selective, balance of colour and confidence.

4. What advice would you give someone who can’t afford designer clothes but wants to develop a strong and authentic style of their own?
Be selective with what you purchase,. Folk often make the mistake of purchasing of the moment looks, often highstreet finds which often only last a few weeks. Invest in buying limited statement pieces that you can mix back with key basics like cheap t-shirts.

Good vintage is hard to find however, it is out there. Go for good cut and colour. When it comes to my own wardrobe I often think less is more. I have a fabulous single breasted jacket from Helmut Lang which I bought back in 2005, I still wear it to this day. It’s a classic fit and effortlessly cool. It has for sure now paid for itself.

5. Which designers, if any, have influnced you? Are there other creative disciplines which inform your work as a designer? What are they?
Not so much influenced but I admire Elbar Albaz, Dries Van  Noten, Early Margiela, Chanel. I think as a designer you look to all things creative for inspiration, from art, film, music etc. It’s capturing a moment, anything thought provoking I suppose. Most recently a trip to the Isle of Skye.

6. What’s the best way to wear your clothes?
With confidence and a smile on one’s face…

7. Choose your favourite piece from the Davicore catalogue and say why you chose it
The piece I like the most is the V-neck brightly coloured sweater by Fullcircle, designed by the Head of Menswear Alan Cook, who is a very dear friend….

8. What should no man’s wardrobe be without?
Lou Dalton of course…

To find out more about Lou Dalton’s subtly eccentric and beatifully made twist on classic, sportswear inspired mens’ clothing visit Lou Dalton’s web site.

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This week I borrowed a De la Soul double CD from my local library and listened to preview snippets of Mos Def songs from the i-Tunes store. My foray into rap and hip hop was prompted by a read of Know What I Mean?: Reflections on Hip Hop by Michael Eric Dyson.

It’s been a long time since I had a chance to take in De la Soul’s wit and charm. Revelations from Mos Def’s album The Ecstatic was brilliant (at least the 30 second segment I heard) and I think I may purchase it.

Onwards from Michael Eric Dyson, I found Born in The Bronx, a coffee table compendium of photographs and rare flyers documenting the birth of hip hop in the 1970s Bronx. there’s some great style on display in the book and I suggest you check it out if you have any inclination for an Old School Rap look or want to know more about the beginnings of a ground breaking and hugely influential musical movement.

In one photo I noticed a guy onstage in a short sleeved ribbed polo neck sweater with high waisted formal trousers and trainers. It’s a strong combination. Try the Full Circle Kruder black high neck sweater, brand new to Davicore. Cut the sleeves or just wear them long. You could add a thin gold chain too, over the polo neck.

Also try baggy white jeans or these flattering Mish Mash loose fit jeans , with grafitti-esque detailing on the back pocket, tucked into cowboy boots if you feel bold, with a buttoned up shirt under a V-neck sweater. I love this Voi Jeans striped V-neck sweater , also just in. Finish off with a shiny leather jacket and, as an alternative to cowboy boots, high top trainers.

Many of the characters documented in Born in the Bronx combine a lightweight windcheater worn a quarter zipped up over a shirt with formal trousers, trainers and a cap. Davicore has a wide selection of zip up jackets in an array of styles and materials to suit all budgets. A good zip-up windcheater is one of those staple items that never dates. I love this Pepe Jeans version and this electric blue offering from Voi Jeans which has the added advantage of being machine washable. Take a leaf out of the old schoolers’ book and add a funky belt buckle with your horoscope sign, name or another word spelled out in brass. Subtle or flamboyant, it’s up to you.

Finally, don’t forget Davicore’s accessories department for a Do Denim trucker cap to complete these looks.

All together now: Yes Yes, Y’all, to the Beat Y’all…

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