While most guys prefer a clean-shaven look, there are always those facial hair connoisseurs who believe that the only good face is a bearded one. And for these well-coifed gents, there is the UK World Beard & Moustache Championships to be held in Brighton on September 1, 2007. Presented by the WBMA [World Beard & Moustache Association], the competition attracts contestants from all around the world, in various states of unshaven glory. The WBMA website gives one of its mission statements as "To encourage and celebrate standards of excellence in the growth, design and presentation of facial hair" and from the looks of some of the contestants they certainly accomplish it.

With a new documentary about the competition appearing on screens soon and the 2009 location already decided upon, will facial hair experience a resurgence in the fashion and grooming industries? Or will itchy, humid days of summer send men screaming back to their Mach III's? Only time will tell...
DG