FASHION
Vegas
Highights Kane Carpenter checks out the products that stood out from the rest at the inaugural PGA Fashion & Demo Experience, which took place in Nevada late August. Golf tradeshows serve as a vital opportunity for retailers and PGA Professionals to stock their stores and pro-shop shelves with exciting gear and new products. Manufacturers and brands showcase their latest creations, as well as upcoming collections, in hopes to garner orders that showcase their brands to the golfing public. Well, tradeshows are exhilarating for writers and media outlets, too, as we get to see, touch, and check out new gear that few get to see until later. And this was truly the case at this year’s PGA Fashion and Demo Experience in Las Vegas. Held in mid-August at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, this year’s event was the first time the show floor was limited to apparel and accessories brands, with an off-site equipment showcase at nearby Cascata Golf Club. From iconic brands, such as J.Lindeberg and ECCO Shoes, to smaller boutique labels such as QED Style and Seamus Golf, all showcasing their current Fall 2014 and upcoming Spring 2015 collections of clothing, accessories and gadgets, the show floor provided a look into what will soon be on the shelves of your favourite retailers. Here are five highlights from the PGA Fashion and Demo Experience that were immediate eye-catchers: 70
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The Rose and Fire Glow-in-the-Dark Headcover Rose and Fire is a boutique putter and headcover brand that focuses on utilizing fabrics often seen in fashion and the military, to create functional and purposeful accessories that keep your favourite golf clubs protected. The highly limited Glow-in-the-Dark putter cover, which has only been distributed to Japan, was inspired by a pair of denim jeans founder Mike Buchfuhrer saw that his cousins had created. “People ask me why you need a glow in the dark cover,” says Buchfuhrer. “And the answer is simple. You don’t. But it’s awesome.” Along with the unique finishing to the putter cover, Buchfuhrer uses several other premium products to round off the creation, including a solid brass loop on the toe for easy removal, carrying, and fastening, a zippered coin storage pocket, a genuine leather badge with a debossed Rose and Fire logo, as well as certified military grade Velcro for the closure. “We try to make things that are more sophisticated,” says Buchfuhrer, on his brand’s design philosophy. “But we never forget that you need to have a sense of fun to pursue your creativity.” Rose and Fire headcovers are available to buy on the brand’s website. From US$40. roseandfire.com
The CHASE54 Vivante Ladies Jacket CHASE54 is an up-and-coming golf apparel brand that prides itself on making use of the most contemporary and technologically advanced fabrics to create simple and stylish golf clothing suitable for any climate. With a current Fall 2014 offering that showcases the brand’s inaugural collaboration with designer Lulu Faddis, the Chase54 Spring 2015 collection features some exciting pieces that take the use of high-end fabrics to another level. One of the more popular and eye-catching pieces from the brand’s upcoming Spring 2015 collection was the ladies Vivante hooded utility jacket. “The Vivante features a 4-way stretch, and it’s very lightweight,” says Faddis. “It’s a hoodie inspired by everyday lifestyle wear. We wanted a piece that could be used for everything. You could wear this to play golf, or wear it at night when you go out, pairing it with a tank top and a pair of jeans.” The CHASE54 Vivante jacket will sell from US$96. chase54.com HKGOLFER.COM
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A Limited Edition Seamus Golf Red Tartan Zippered Pouch Oregon-based golf accessories brand Seamus Golf has been the apple of the golf industry’s eye since its introduction of unique tartan headcovers a few years ago. Subsequently, the brand’s creations have been seen in the golf bags of players all over the world. But inimitable headcovers aside, one of the highlights of the PGA Fashion and Demo Experience was the opportunity to see co-founder Akbar Chisti hand stamp custom steel and copper ball markers on-site. In speaking with him, Chisti produced a one-of-akind Limited Edition Red Tartan Zippered Pouch that his wife and co-founder, Megan, had put together by hand prior to the show. Meant to be used for another from storing golf tees and coins, to golf balls and ball markers, the versatile Zippered Pouch is not only a stylish addition to the golf bag, but a option for everyday use alongside your wallet and keychain. seaumusgolf.com
The Wolsey x Tricker’s White Leather Golf Shoe When British heritage brands Wolsey and Tricker’s announced their collaboration earlier this year, the fashion world was curious to see what kind of product the pair would create together. The Wolsey and Trickers White Leather Golf Shoe, priced at US$640, epitomize the two brands in its aesthetic simplicity, use of premium materials, and polished design. Inspired by Wolsey’s “Less is More” design philosophy, the collaborative golf shoe is the first time Tricker’s has produced a retail-ready golf shoe, having previously only created bespoke models. As for the details, the white leather shoes are designed with calf leather uppers and linings. Of particular highlight are the leather insoles in Wolsey’s signature red and a stitched leather outsole. trendygolf.com
The QED Style Logan Polo Shirt QED Style is a golfing apparel brand that takes its aesthetic from iconic images of James Dean and the old-Western aura. Launched in 2011 by Mike McRae, QED Style was born out of a thirst for golf clothing to be “more clothes and less golf.” The QED Style Logan Polo (US$84) is a staple of the brand’s shirt offering, and has been updated for Spring 2015. Distinctly inspired by old-world America, the Logan is constructed of 100% polyester, making it ideal for warmer climates due to its moisturewicking properties. What contributes to the Western look is the white contrast stitch that runs along the entirety of the polo, but smaller features such as the four snap button placket, and snaps that are coloured differently to match the color of the polo itself, make the QED Style Logan Polo an eye-catching Spring 2015 piece. qedstyle.com About Kane Carpenter Hong Kong-based Kane is editor of MINORHOUSE, an online publication and store focusing on the golf fashion and lifestyle marketplace. For more information visit minorhouse.com 72
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