Friday Inspirations

(All photos the property of Getty Images/Reuters Pictures/The Associated Press/Time Magazine and others...)

-KC

9 Holes with Travis Johnson - Founder and Creative Director of Travis Mathew - Part 1

(Photo of Travis in his UCLA days)

The KC recently caught up with Travis Johnson, founder and creative director of Travis Mathew apparel. Travis is a passionate young guy, former touring professional and has some really unique ideas about style. We think you'll enjoy...

KC: Travis, thanks for agreeing to sit down with us. We'll do a 9-hole questioning format to keep it true to the game...

Travis: I like your spin on playing nine, eighteen is way too much for a guy with A.D.D. It was great meeting you a few weeks ago...

KC: Travis, you mentioned that a wide range of stuff inspired you in the development of the spring/summer 2010 stuff. Can you name a few of the inspirations and how they're reflected in the clothing?

Travis: Well, as you know, I always source my inspiration for our new lines from outside of golf. For our spring/summer 2010 Collection, “Electric,” I got a lot of coloring and design ideas from the Coachella Music Festival that I attended last year. It was a pretty amazing line-up including bands like Kraftwerk, Roger Waters from The Original Pink Floyd, The Raconteurs, Portishead, and the Verve. The sheer lighting, music, and energy from the event were enough to give anybody a major dose of sensory overload. I drew a lot of inspiration from the show’s typical outdoor rock & roll theme, but also this year’s “light show” that went on throughout the night. The captivating night was filled with vibrant beams of light and color giving the evening a rather “electric” feeling. I tried to let these themes and feelings spillover to this upcoming year’s spring/summer collection, which will hit stores Feb 1.

KC: It seems like the goal is to get TM to that oft-used distinction of "lifestyle" brand - what steps are you taking to round out the collection, so to speak, and outfit your customer from tee box to town?

Travis: We have set out to achieve many goals at Travis Mathew and a part of our main vision here is to have our golf brand evolve into a fully-fashioned, lifestyle brand. However, just like any up-and-coming brand, you have to stick to the basics and what you know. Right now, we know how to make great golf clothing and we will not lose focus of that. At the same time, in order to not lose sight of our ultimate plan we have spent this last year acquiring the experience we need in order to start adding these new categories to our collections. The result of this last year’s investment will be seen for the first time in our spring/summer 2010 collection. We will be adding a nice line of dress pants, dress shorts, reversible outerwear, and golf inspired t-shirts, as well as few other cool accessories. Keep your eye out for these new additions, as they are our first step in growing our collection to better represent the lifestyle that surrounds our brand.

KC: Who is the ideal Travis Mathew customer? Who are you shooting for with the clothing/attitude/vibe of the product?

Travis: As much as I'd like to put a finger on who we sell to mostly, I've got to be honest and say that there is no pure age or demographic to our customer. We see both older and younger individuals alike wearing our product throughout the US. If anything, I would say the few commonalities that I see in our consumer is that they all enjoy clothing, they all care what they look like, and they all have a little spare cash to spend on something that looks different than what they’re used to.

KC: There is a heavy "So Cal" influence in the TM stuff, how would you describe your personal style and what you grew up appreciating about clothing?

Travis: There is definitely some West Coast and Southern California aspects to our product line; however, if you take a closer look to our apparel you will see that we draw inspiration from many more American influences than just the one we live and grew up in. One of our recent best-sellers, the TM “Searslack” and “Searshort” both completely sold out, two collections in a row. That style was derived from my playing days back in the South during ‘05 & ‘06. At the time it seemed like everybody in the South owned a pair of seersuckers and they all cherished them as if they were their Sunday best. I figured we could make an even nicer pair of seersuckers for our consumers throughout the country by upgrading the model with our performance-based qualities and basic TM fit. Point being, Travis Mathew may be based out of Southern California, but we consider ourselves a design team that makes apparel for the masses. To us, it’s not so much about what we like or what we want, it’s about providing what’s not already out there and doing it in a way that embodies the style and quality of [our brand.]

Stay locked into the KC for the rest of the interview with Travis, including Travis' favorite brands and some juice on Travis Mathew's touring pros, John Mallinger and Tommy Armour III...

-KC

Q-uality

(Photos the sole property of Getty Images)

Graeme McDowell always looks sharp on the course in his Q'aja, but Sunday at the Chevron World Challenge he really stood out - in a tough-to-pull-off, muted fall ensemble. The soft gray cardigan with the lavender polo, the off-white trouser and shield-tip FJs were the epitome of elegance.

Something to consider - lighter colors for fall. It can be a great look if done well. If you're going for an all-muted look like Graeme, consider the fact that the fit must be perfect or you'll risk looking severely dated. That's why I love this side-shot of Graeme - there is no excess material hanging from the sweater or the pant - just crisp lines everywhere. 

Another note: You absolutely cannot go wrong with purple and gray - you can go much darker than Graeme. Play with different hues and textures of both and you'll always look positively regal. 

-KC 

Thinking "Small Ball"

We talk a lot on this blog about the little things, whether it be the perfect length, cut, fit of a trouser or shirt, well-chosen accessories and detailing that set different apparel companies apart from the rest - wishful thinking that brands will realize that in today's market, many of the consumers that we know of are looking for stories behind a product, tiny performance aspects, personalized service, perhaps even just a taste of nostalgia and heritage in what they are buying. 

The whole idea of "boutiquing" the golf industry is, in fact, wishful and progressive thinking. In actuality, the big boys: the Nikes, the Adidas/TaylorMades - these are the players that are making a killing in clothing sales. There is nothing wrong with that - but it says something about the industry as a whole. Dare I make the argument that many consumers are educated on products, while many merchandisers and stockists are not. 

Many pro shops across the nation aren't given the education necessary to stock their stores with quality product that reflects a filtered version of what is out there and what are the best possible goods to provide to the golfer. This isn't an indication of price, although price does often play a role. That being said, you don't have to spend a lot more to get a lot more in terms of quality, technology, heritage and progressiveness- which translate to overall consumer enjoyment. 

If a pro stocks a shop with the very best and only the best, at every price point - their membership will buy more clothing and look better in the process. That's why I love the idea of online "boutique" golf stores that only buy and stock merchandise that reflects a certain taste level and certain assurance of quality and performance. Trendygolf.com is a site that immediately comes to mind. Zappos.com is another. (They are making a heavy golf push as of late.)

It is rare to find a golf pro shop stocked like a boutique - in reality you only need a few brands to really merchandise a shop. If you're carrying 3 or 4 top quality apparel companies in a style for every golfer - you're covering your bases. There is no reason to diversify more than that unless you're selling on a huge scale. You have your Peter Millar and Polo Golf for the older generation, RLX, JL and Dunning for the young and the young-at-heart and you're set. (These are, of course, examples...)

Members of all ages want "hip" and current stuff, yet so many merchandisers are afraid to make changes in their seasonal lineups for fear of not moving soft goods. 

Clothing isn't like equipment where you can run with your old war horses for seasons and seasons and continue to sell year after year. Stylish golf clothing is fashion - love it or hate it. It ebbs and it flows and it re-invents itself. Yes, the golf market is often a little behind, but never have we been at a place where the menswear market is more parallel to what's being offered by golf apparel companies. 

Brands like Polo, JL, Dunning, Peter Millar - these guys offer lifestyle collections that can clothe your membership from head-to-toe. All it takes is a little buying savvy and an appreciation and taste level that are going to make your shop stand out. Successful merchandisers know that when people come into the store, they want a quality shopping experience, at any level. If this means having the ability to buy the best $60 shirt on the market, then that's what they should have access to. It's really the golfer's right and the shop's prerogative to not have winter blow-out sales where everything is left from the fall, because the already poor selection has been picked over and dismantled and the shop needs to see some sort of profit. It's a lose-lose for both parties. 

Purchase cool shoes, cool belts, an equal mix of traditionally cut and slimmer, more progressive designs, limited edition stuff, great outerwear, unique "gift" pieces and then bread-and-butter standards. Hell, I say bring in a few pieces for the street or the town... Too risky? That is what consumers are looking for! Carefully chosen suggestions on how to live and look good - on the course or at home. "Boutique" your shop - it will pay off!

If you'd like more information on this and other "off-the-cuff" KC ideas, we're always open for business. Having a better shopping venue for your members will reverberate throughout the club or course experience as a whole. 

-KC 

Perfect

My buddy JP sent me this photo of Gary Player (left, observing) and Tony Jacklin at the Portland Country Club, in Falmouth, Maine - the town I grew up in and a course I'm very familiar with. 

I'm in awe of Player in this photo. I was just having a conversation with Ralph Dunning of Dunning Sportswear and he described a certain silhouette they were aspiring to as "James Bond-like." To me, Player is the epitomy of that perfectly trim, Bond look here. Check out the sleeve-length that shows off the strength in his arms and the crisp, white trouser - and that hair! 

I also love how much of Jacklin's socks are showing as he sets at the top of his swing. This is one of my favorite vintage golf photos we've come across. Two gentlemen out for a good walk spoiled.

-KC  

Abacus Follow-Up...

I was thrilled to find out that Abacus will make its official US unveiling at the PGA Show in Orlando this January. The interest level has been high since the Solheim Cup, according to Shane at Caulfeild Apparel Group, which distributes the brand in North America. 

Should have some more info and interviews with the Managing Director and Chief Designer of Abacus in the next few weeks, so check back for that if you like what you see...

-KC 

A Winter Awakening: Abacus Golf

Why is it that the Swedes just consistently 'get it'? Rarely do we beseech our readers into action, but if you have even the vaguest interest in golf, clothing, or both - you HAVE to go to the Abacus website and look through their collection pages and download the Autumn/Winter catalog. Rarely have we been so inspired. 

The clothing is presented in this beautiful, pure and sporty way that calls immediate comparison to a Ralph Lauren or other lifestyle brand. Some of the looks they've put together for golf are just so cool and so unlike what most Americans typically picture when they think "golf apparel." The photography is also top-notch. 

There are so many ways to differentiate yourself on the course and a good place to start is getting some layering and accessory inspiration from Abacus. Check out the pieces we've featured above - they don't look like golf pieces - they look like upscale casualwear with a very urban and modern sensibility. 

The Swedish Abacus is currently available in Canada, but is beginning to trickle into the US after the Solheim Cup in 2009, where they were the outerwear provider for the European side.

We're trying to lock down someone from Abacus for some more information on the origin of the products and what they have planned for their North American expansion. 

-KC   

Oh! Mega Bright...

(All photos the property of the Associated Press)

It's a wonder that players in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup made it through security at the airport - they were packing some serious heat... 

Bright trousers reigned supreme in China where guys like Jamie Donaldson of Wales (top) and Jyoti Randhawa (2nd from top) of India made Poults and Fisher's coordinating IJP trousers look frighteningly cautious. 

Winners in the pants parade, you ask? Inconclusive. John Daly could not be reached for comment... The event was won by Italian brothers Molinari e Molinari - meanwhile the Swedes - Stenson och Karlsson - wore their trousers like proper Italians, looking brilliant in the fit department, as always. 

-KC

Weekly Inspirations: Thanksgiving Edition

-KC

An Essay: Has Golf Become Too Casual?

(Photos the sole property of Getty Images)

Golf is a game. Golf has most certainly, in the past decade, become what the average human would consider a true 'sport.' But one should, in my opinion, dress for golf in a way that pertains more to the former than the latter.  To simply use the word 'dress' implies a certain amount of care and of purpose. Plenty of golfers put deliberate care into choosing a golf shirt the same way that plenty of businessmen put care into choosing a tie each day. Without that simple premise, a blog like this - and a million others like it - does not exist. 

We've found that golfers, on the whole, happen to be at least vaguely interested, one way or another, in style. They like a particular shirt for the way it fits, or the boldness of its color or the softness of its hand. They may not know why or how or who, but they know they're going to wear that beautiful shirt on Sunday when the money is on the line because they always play better in it or at the Goldman Sachs outing, because they always look better in it. 

As the loyal KC reader knows, we are fully in favor of experimentation on the course in terms of dress. That is proven again and again here with our open-mindedness. That being said, we're also phenomenally grounded in and inspired by tradition. We think golfers should look sharp out there, put thorough care into what they're wearing and dress 'for the day.' 

Take a company like J. Lindeberg - incredibly innovative: what many people consider to be the godfather of the rebirth of golf style - but one of the things Johan Lindeberg didn't want to lose sight of was the heritage of the game. JL has succeeded in creating collection after collection of golf clothing that calls to mind the Palmers and the Players, their charisma, their charm, their gentlemanly qualities - but also injected the sexiness, the brashness, the excitement - that had seemingly left the game for good in the 80's and 90's. 

Lindeberg may use technical fabrics and European-inspired styling, but the basis of each and every collection is classic tailoring and iconic menswear: cardigans, v-neck sweaters, waistcoats, wool trousers in classic English patterns, merino vests. Yes, you may see something that Camilo helped design that looks a little more Mick Jagger than Bob Ford, but I can guarantee you that a JL mood board is built around the premise that golf is an iconic symbol - one to experiment with, but never forsake.

Many collections, even those rooted in very traditional styling, like say, a Polo Golf, certainly feel the need to evolve as the game changes and becomes 'sportier.' They are masters of doing this in subtle ways - extending the hem on a golf short, cutting a polo shirt ever so slimmer, shortening a sleeve, blending in a moisture-wicking fabric - but they are never going to lose that customer that they've built over the years: the one that takes a true pleasure in dressing for the game. 

Even some of the newer brands that may not look so traditional are getting inspiration from the right places. I met this past week with Travis and Chris at Travis Mathew and although these guys may produce collections with the distinct, no-frills essence of Southern California, the designs are rooted in an appreciation of functional and stylish menswear pieces that also happen to work for golf. 

Creativity and experimentation, as we've said, are so important to personal style and to keeping people interested in clothing. That being said, I see some things that I simply can't condone. Sneaker-golf shoes, untucked shirts, mock-necks. No professional golfer should be wearing a shirt without a collar or have his shirt untucked on the course. Period. Johan Edfors has a tremendous amount of personal style and there very well may be a contingent of ladies who enjoy seeing his belly-button on every shot, but half the time he's playing, he looks like he's going to the beach. And the topic of mock-necks shouldn't even get airtime on an esteemed site like this one, but unfortunately there are plenty of guys out there still wearing them... We'll make it simple for you... DON'T.

The sneaker-style golf shoe thing I can live with if it is done appropriately. When Ryan Moore has worn a vest and a tie, I say, rock the Puma low-tops. It's like jeans with a blazer and slim tie, they offset each other in terms of formality. Go right ahead. But in the photo above, he loses me... Completely... You know what? Retract my statement. Ryan Moore could have just as much personal style on the course while wearing appropriate footwear - get yourself a FootJoy contract like a PGA Tour winner should and bring the vests back out of the closet. 

Overly 'techy' stuff falls into the cautionary category. I'll be the first to admit it, I initially had a huge problem with the insanely popular JL Troyan and Troon pants. I wasn't going out there in anything but cotton or wool. I've relaxed in my initial hesitation, because there are huge benefits to technical pieces in terms of non-wrinkle capabilities, the aversion to staining, etc. Although they aren't for everyone, polyester performance pants do have their place in today's game if they fit and behave like JL's and are built to look polished and as part of a uniquely "golf" look. 

I don't know - I guess I still romanticize this game so much: the idea of driving to the course on a crisp morning, sun-shining, a golf polo, a sweater, a crisp pair of trousers - top down on a classic car. Dew on the first tee, a clean pair of golf shoes. The lifestyle really. What it means to be a gentleman golfer. It's something very sacred to me. That romance and that intrigue will never leave the game for some, I'm content knowing that. Has golf become too casual? That depends how you see it. Has the clothing become more relaxed? Yes, that's fair to say and probably necessary given the changes in the physical game. Have the attitudes become more relaxed? Yes, I think that's also fair. 

There is no reason to fear change as long as the inspiration and the participation are pure. This is a clothing blog, but these broader topics are things to be considered, certainly. So as you pull up to the course, change your shoes, feel that distinct fall sunshine on your shoulders, remember that golf is only as pure as its current participants, its current state. It's every golfer's responsibility to carry on the tradition of this storied game. Dress like you respect it. Act like you cherish it. And most importantly, pass it on so we never forget it...

-KC   

Spotted: JL Window @ NY Golf Center

Prep/Golf Style Dun Right?

(Photos the property of Dunning/Buffalo Communications)

Here at the KC we are big fans of Ralph Dunning and his attitudes about clothing. Being self-described, hybrid prepsters ourselves, we can appreciate the love that Dunning has for iconic styles for the course and for the street. 

Achieving prep-appeal while maintaining technical progressiveness and appreciation of classic tailoring is the cornerstone for the Canadian company with aspirations to wholly embrace golf, while remaining by all definitions a lifestyle brand. And life at Dunning appears to be good; where we know from the evolution of a little brand called Lauren, every Ralph needs his mansion: 

Welcome to the newly-opened Toronto flagship store of Dunning Sportswear. 

Enjoy.

-KC

The Cold Shoulder

(Photo the property of Getty Images)

I'm assuming a bunch of you golfers out there wear compression tops/thermal layers under golf polos on cold days... If so, would any of you wear these Nike Thermal Sleeves AK was sporting in New Zealand? (Above.) 

I wouldn't be caught dead in these things. a.) There are so many stylish cold-weather options for golf and b.) Let's be honest, I'd rather freeze to death than wear an arm condom. Walter Hagen is rolling over in his grave. 

-KC

LA

The KC team is headed to LA tomorrow for a five day stint checking out the best in west coast golf style. 

If you're in the greater LA area and want to set aside time to chat, have us preview new gear or just say hello, hit us on email.

Sean 

The KC Gets Kidnapped!?

(All Photos the sole property of Getty Images)

The Kiwi Challenge is fast becoming one of our favorite events at the KC. The venue, New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers, breathtakingly transports you to a sort of golfing Neverland (Think Peter Pan, not King of Pop) and what better locale for the competition that touts its victor "Best Golfer Under the Age of 30..."

With four of the PGA Tour's best and brightest, one would have to think that fashion, in some sense, would enter into the foray - along with the anticipated attitude, competitiveness and youthful vigor that make this event so much fun. This year's lineup had a little bit of everything style-wise, which we loved: 

You have Anthony Kim in Nike Golf - very sporty, function out-favoring form, slim cuts; Camilo Villegas in J. Lindeberg - more "fashiony," bootcut trousers, edgy, a little rock n' roll; Sean O'Hair in Ashworth - All-American boy, stoic, more traditional fits, natural materials and Hunter Mahan in Under Armour - the closest thing golf has to The X-Games.

Four very different and distinct attitudes reflected in their personal styles and the apparel companies they've chosen to represent. It's sort of a chicken and an egg type thing here, but one wonders - with such great congruity between the apparel these young men wear and their attitudes and auras - is the spokesman always eventually drawn to the right brand or does the spokesman eventually become the brand, regardless of whether or not it's the right one - so to speak... In any event, someone is doing their job here, because it all works.   

Who looked the best out there? Depends on what you like... To see four young golfers wearing clothing that fits them properly is a victory for all of us in the apparel industry and a recent phenomenon of sorts. At the KC, we are never known to promote complacency, but since it's the Silly Season, let's try not to get too serious about it... Being serious is really an over-30 thing anyway, right?

-KC