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!

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

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