Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Style and Substance.

I have to confess... I'm kind of reeled in by the basketball playoffs! Close games ... spirited discussions in the press ... superstar rivalries and ... huge involvement of fans!
 
So what can Golf learn from this? The product is getting a little stale ... Tiger doesn't play a lot. His challengers show up inconsistently (My prayers are with Phil and Amy in this very tough time) and to be honest with you .... the media coverage is a little stale as well. Also the ball players are serious fashion branding vehicles with their very trendy attire at the press conferences ... although Lamar Odom was rightfully made fun off by Charles Barkley after showing up in a Red leather vest that was a little over the top.
 
One kudo mention for the CBS coverage for including a little Fashion segment in the telecast on Saturday. Narrated by Jim Nantz it was a better than average attempt, to inform the viewer of the growing influence of attire and player's brands ... Ian Poulter got a nice little plug! It would be nice for CBS to consider having a Style/Fashion expert doing the segment.
 
I am getting ready for the big Game 4 tonight Orlando-Cleveland and if the Magic make it to the finals, we will dedicate a window at Cavallini to the Blue and White ... IGNITE theme!!!!! Should be fun...especially if they play the Lakers! We may become the Magic headquarters in enemy territory!

Monday, May 18, 2009

When opportunity knocks.......you open the door!

I have made my way back to LA to create a one of a kind Golf retail experience ... Cavallini Golf.

The Golf Cognoscente Consortium has been percolating and will now have it's own retail concept in Beverly Hills. Yes, I was set on being in Florida, but this opportunity was something that combined my love for clothing and my passion for the game of Golf.

All our marketing members HONMA equipment. Antas custom slacks, Marbas Italian knit wear, Martin Dingman leather goods, MacKenzie Golf bags and La Scala hats are on board for the launch on June 21st.

I will keep you posted on developments on a regular basis.

Auke

Sunday, May 3, 2009

So tired of non-informed poor apparel choices on the PGA Tour!!!!!!!

Here is a post from Styled To A Tee by Robert Lohrer that I posted my comments after.

PHIL SAY IT AIN'T SEW
It's with mixed emotions that I report that Phil Mickelson has no interest in making a commercial go of his own signature apparel line. I say this because Phil himself is very much sending mixed signals.

It's come to this: Phil the Thrill's daily fashion choices are now eagerly awaited, at least by those who have nothing better to do a small community of golf-style bloggers.

There he was again Thursday in Charlotte, brandishing his super-stylish short game and a forest-green polo with four-button placket and distinctive button-under collar; the custom-made too-short sleeves with a pair of amply cut white -- linen, perhaps? -- trousers that were a perfect fit for the humiture of Charlotte. (Of course, playing partner Davis Love III -- hereafter "Dapper Davis" -- had a slight edge from the waist down by pairing his Polo pants with classic saddle shoes while Phil went with all-white shoes. I think some of these things come naturally to Davis, he of the long and stylish swing and a closet crowded with Polo classics.)

But back to Phil. Camp Mickelson sent word directly to Styled to a Tee a few weeks back that Phil has no interest in affixing his name to his own golf sportswear line, even as he seems intent -- let's face it, aggressively so -- on sporting an altogether different look from his peers.

Regardless of his (lack of) commercial ambitions, his dress has never been more analyzed and scrutinized. The Wall Street Journal even took note of Phil's repeated flirtation with "The Full Cleveland," the white shoes/white belt pairing that is now commonplace among the Tour's younger set. The Golf Girl, Dogs That Chase Cars, the Khaki Crusader, and even the redoubtable Geoff Shackelford have fanned the flames surrounding Phil's fashion choices. Hey, here's an idea: Bring Phil to New York for an appearance on Project Runway. The challenge for the designers: Create a golf wardrobe that's stylish and distinctive but doesn't veer off the road into John Daly-esque clownishness.

Maybe the exposure will be the trigger that flips Phil's switch. Why should golf sportswear labels -- Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson, among them -- belong primarily to the deceased and superannuated?

Experimentation is Phil's modus operandi, be it with wedges, drivers, recovery shots or strategy off the tee on the 72nd hole of a U.S. Open. It's golf, the guy has a resume that's second to one, and more in the bank than most public companies. Why shouldn't Phil be synonymous with some fairway flair? -- Robert Lohrer

Phil needs some SERIOUS help! Quite a few years ago I suggested for the world top players to add a wardrobe consultant/stylist to their considerable posse......well.....it's time! EVERYTHING Phil "wears" accentuates his physical shortcomings! He needs a GENEROUS fitting shirt in a tiny pique weave, to hide his oft discussed "chest"! They need to be elbow length sleeves, to create proper proportion! He needs a ONE pleat pant with a fuller leg! He needs Brown or Black golf shoes with MATCHING belt and MATCH his hat to his attire instead of the good 'ol white! The ONLY thing I like is the collar on his shirt, it's creative and "suits" him well. I am available for a considerable fee to give Phil a most needed make-over, the timing is good....his game is "rounding" into shape, so should his wardrobe!!!!!
The Golf Cognoscente.
Posted by: Auke Hempenius | May 02, 2009 at 12:24 PM

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Golf Cognoscente Consortium pavilion in Vegas? Golf as Art?

Will the PGA Merchandise Show in Las Vegas see the first Golf Cognoscente Consortium pavilion? Is the world ready for Golf as Art?

After being back in Sarasota for a little more than a month, here's an update on Golf Cognoscente developments. We are working on a Golf Cognoscente Consortium pavilion for the PGA Show in Las Vegas. The final proposal will go out to all the marketing members by the end of next week. With the PGA Show coinciding with Fashion Week, this would a FABULOUS way to launch our Consortium on a national level.

Golf as Art ...

After great deliberation and consulting with some people in my inner circle ... you heard it here first ... Golf as Art will be a paradigm shifting teaching facility in Sarasota ... that's all I can say right now. Stay tuned....

Auke

Monday, April 6, 2009

A return to my American roots in Sarasota, Fla.

It's been a few weeks since my last report of Style & Fashion in Golf. Reason being, my return to the first place I settled in America in 1984 ... Sarasota. I felt I needed a place where I could manifest my creativity and for that to happen, water has to be a part of the equation. Sarasota has very special meaning to me and the fondest of memories. I lived here from 1984 till 1995 and have to say ... it has always been, is, and always will be a special place of residence for me. The aesthetic beauty, the unrivaled beaches, the balmy weather and the amazing cultural options are second to none.

Sarasota's greatest claim to fame is as the winter home of the Ringling Barnum & Bailey Circus. Golf plays a big role in this cosmopolitan Florida Gulf Coast retreat. The historic Bobby Jones course was the site of a memorable Bobby Jones exhibition and a Paul Azinger City Championship some years ago. Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones dueled on the classic Sara Bay links. The LPGA played 17 years at Bent Tree Country Club and the Senior version of the Ryder Cup was hosted by the TPC of Prestancia during the late '80s and early '90s.

Recent Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger resides in Bradenton just to the north where David Leadbetter's Junior Academy is located. The Concession is a recent Jack Nicklaus/Tony Jacklin addition and Tom Fazio sculpted a beauty of a course for the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. I am sure you didn't know a few or all of these "local" facts.

This will be my place of residence for now and forever ... it is just THAT good. If you have any plans to visit call my new 941-320-2291 number and I'll be delighted to host you. Of course I'd had to be reconnected to the clothing industry and am delighted to report that my dear friend Hank Battie with his one-of-a-kind custom haberdashery Cravats' is my new sartorial abode. Check out www.CravatsCustomClothier.com for the unique offerings of a man I have called my friend for almost 20 years. In the near future we will be making announcements of which role the Golf Cognoscente Consortium will play at Cravats'.

For now ... balmy greetings from Sarasota ... lush fairways, perfect greens and only One putts!

Ciao...

Auke

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Marbas to provide wardrobe for SyberVision

Marbas, a founding member of the Golf Cognoscente consortium, will provide elegant, embroidered shirts for the new SyberVision DVD featuring PGA golfer and CBS commentator, Bobby Clampett.

SyberVision, one of the most successful golf training DVDs of all time, was first developed by Steve DeVore in the 1980s with swings and drills featuring Al “Mr. 59″ Geiberger - pro emeritus at Stone Eagle, another Golf Cognoscente partner. Its success and popularity, coupled with new developments in both neuroscience and camera technology, made now the right time to release a new version.

“Marbas makes world class apparel and we are thrilled to have their gracious support,” said Scott Clark, partner in Golf Cognoscente and owner of Lostball Studios, which will produce the new DVD. “With over 1 million copies sold of the original SyberVision, Marbas is sure to see widespread value and recognition. This is not your average training DVD and Marbas is not your average apparel company.”

SyberVision will be filmed March 8-9 at the beautiful Quail Lodge golf course in Monterey, Calif. The DVD will be released later in 2009.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Joseph Puskarich' dream soars like an eagle on to the Golf course ... Antas Apparel!

Dreams are a plan with a time line ... The Eagle has landed on the finest fairways on the links all over the United States ... Antas ready-made and custom slacks redefine an entire Golf classification!

A 20-year clothing veteran with an 11-year tenure at venerable Italian trouser powerhouse Zanella Joe Puskarich knows pants ... like the back of his pocket. The game of Golf has had its share of great dressers like Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. What do these three Golf icon's have in common ... they showed a great appreciation for their attire ... especially their trousers. Today's global superstar touring pro's are endorsed by multinational Golf conglomerates, but these players choose to have their trousers custom tailored. Nothing compares to a fine Italian super 130s wool custom pant. The Antas drape, fit, comfort and style are unrivaled.

Antas is a member marketing partner of Golf Cognoscente which identifies best in market products in the world of Golf. At the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando the best-dressed teaching professional and buyers made their way to the Antas booth to be impressed by the fabulous collection of slacks, shorts in an amazing array of solids and patterns.

With a ready-made stock program and the custom made feature Antas will become the brand of choice for the well-dressed amateur, teaching professional and touring professional. With artisan tailors painstakingly creating Antas works of Art one at the time, you owe it to your self to take a look at www.antasapparel.com where you will find all the information you need to dress your best.

The player that is dressed to kill, always has the advantage ... and always will.