CNG In The Press

Chapeau Noir has provided insight on golf fashion trends in the following publications:

Edinburgh Scotsman - July 14, 2010 - Dressed to a tee: Fashion at the Open, By Alice Wyllie

"It's generally accepted that if you look good, you feel good - which can then translate into playing better golf," he says.

Read more...

Compleat Golfer (South Africa) - August 2010 - A Flash In The Pants

"When choosing your belt buckle, feel free to express your personality, but be honest with yourself in regard to your personal dimensions. Gents a dessert or two over 36 inches in the waist should try to avoid larger-scale buckles... there's no need to draw attention to an already prominent area."

Read more (PDF)...

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CNG Style Quotient Index

Updated regularly, CNG presents the hot and not of golf fashion...

Hot: TRUE linkswear, single strap golf bags, Travis Mathew, Ryan Moore, Kikkor Golf

Not: Steve Elkington, colorblind fabric, straw hats, sloppy plackards, giant belt buckles with beaucoup bling

(As of June 6, 2010.)

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Chapeau Noir Blog

The Chapeau Noir Golf Blog will keep you up to date with the latest apparel news, product releases and trends. You'll also learn what the latest tour winners were wearing, and find out what Chapeau Noir has to say about it.

Function 18 - www.function18.com

8:24PM

Feeling Nostalgic In Fila

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, Chapeau Noir was wont to do three things in the summer - play golf, play tennis, and go to the beach. As you can well see, Chapeau Noir's formative years were wrought with difficulty and hardship.

It was Wimbledon that would alway marked the true start of summer for Chapeau Noir in Ontario's Near North, because by that time school was out and the lakes were finally beginning to warm to tolerable levels of enjoyment.

Always an early riser, especially for golf, Chapeau Noir would get in an early 18 before 10 AM with a retired next door neighbour, and would cycle over to the tennis club by noon to engage in epic matches with a tennis fiend who shared Chapeau Noir's desire to emulate duels between the likes of McEnroe and Connors in 1984.

More than any other sportsman of the time, save for Jack Nicklaus, Chapeau Noir held Bjorn Borg in highest regard, for both his patient baseline style and for the look he projected through Fila.

Coveting and eventually acquiring Borg's Donnay raquet, Chapeau Noir ultimately failed to complete the look of the stoic Swede for two reasons. First, Chapeau Noir was still years away from growing anything that resembled Borg's excuse for a beard, and second, acquiring Fila meant, at minimum, a trip to either Toronto or Montreal to hunt the sport shops and it was not a request that would go over well with the parents.

Regardless, it wasn't a pursuit Chapeau Noir had a great deal of interest in as there were plenty of golf balls, tennis balls, and of course girls, to chase. Chapeau Noir would have to make do in the Jimmy Connors line that was sold through the Sears catalog.

Fila's Oslo pant. Just enough sheen to make a de rigueur chino a luxurious treat.

Which finally brings us full circle to present day, after the longest product review preamble of all time, more specifically to last week, when a package arrived at Chapeau Noir's humble abode. Chapeau Noir was awash in nostalgia upon opening the package, because staring him straight in the face was some Fila, finally. After all, it was only 29 years since Borg brought the brand to young CN's attention

Fila's Oslo pant in Coyote Brown.As 'they' say, better late than never. While no one will ever mistake the Oslo pant for something Borg wore to center court in his heyday (though a vintage line is available. Want!), there is no mistaking the cache of the Fila F-box patch, sewn above the back right pocket.

Chapeau Noir must admit that a chino - Fila or otherwise - would rate near the bottom of his list of preferred pants, but what Fila has done with the Oslo is to make the trouser slim enough to not billow and bunch, and roomy enough not to bind.

Described by Fila as having a relaxed fit, fit, and subsequently comfort significantly enhanced by Fila's use of spandex sateen. Just two percent of this silky stretch material gives the Oslo its modern fit and feel.

This is a simple, straightforward offering from Fila, featuring smooth to the touch side seam pockets and two back welt pockets with button and loop closure.

The Oslo doesn't try too hard to be something it's not. It's a strong, no nonsense take on a classic pant, without a boot cut, nor golf slit to be found, which is far from being a criticism, because it simply doesn't need bells and whistles to stand out.

The Oslo stands out because it's Fila, and because it makes you feel good when you wear it. What more can we ask?

As fit is an ultimate concern for all (and if it's not, it should be) and as a 'tweener Chapeau Noir measures in at 33 /34 the Olso's in a 34 / 34 fit  supremely.

Nostalgia may bring you back to a brand, but quality, and how the brand makes you feel when you wear it will keep you coming back for more once the novelty of nostalgia has worn off.

Chapeau Noir is happy to report that through the Oslo, Fila has the sort of feel, a luxurious one at that, that will keep me coming back. If the Olso pant is any indication, there will be plenty to like in their new golf range, though a visit to the retro section is definitely in order.

Tennis anyone? After golf, of course.

2:18AM

Revisiting Edberg: Headband Secrets Revealed

One of the more interesting fashion subjects explored here on Chapeau Noir Golf in 2010 was Pelle Edberg, the European Tour player who came to our attention back in May for his unique headband.

Pelle Edberg of Sweden sporting his now signature headband, in action during round one for the Nordea Scandinavian Masters at Bro Hof Slott Golf Course on July 22, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

Edberg recently sat down with European CNG correspondent Gene Oberto to reveal just what it was that he was wearing to keep his ears warm that day in May.

"I'm using the same headband when I ski. I've been skiing all my life and I thought it might be a new thing to bring it out to the golf course, and I did. This is the third year that I've been wearing it, and I have had a lot of people asking me what the hell it is," said Edberg. "On a cool day it keeps me warm, and it keeps the wind out of my ears which is good."

On making it his signature look, Edberg commented, "I think it already is my signature now, because people don't recognize me without the headband out there. After 2007, when I had a good year, people really started to know me by the headband, so it's a good promotional thing."

Edberg has an obvious flair for making statements on the course, and while he's clothed exclusively by Under Armour for 2010, he would like to see non-traditional golf brands get into the mix. "Brands like Diesel for example, who really know fashion, I think they would do great."

While Edberg doesn't necessarily have any other plans to create functional makeshift accessories, he has always had a bit of a knack for getting attention on course. "In the past I've used Lindeberg, when they were all into colors like pink, green, light green - you name it, they had it."

"I was wearing orange pants with a sort of pink t-shirt, and that wasn't really a good match, but, I used it to get attention when I was new out here. That's not a thing I would do nowadays, because I think I'm a bit more discrete now, except for the headband, which I think is a good thing."

Edberg is working hard to get back his full European Tour playing privileges for 2011, having had an off year in 2009, and doesn't rule out coming to the United States to give PGA Tour qualifying school a run in the future.

"It's been something I have wanted to do for the past two or three years but I just haven't been able to get there. I have plenty of gas left in the tank, so it's a matter of keeping the body fit. I think my game suits American courses."

Selfishly, Chapeau Noir thinks that having Edberg on this side of the pond would be a great addition to tour fashion watch. Regardless of where he plays, Edberg will always come to our attention for his inventive, impromptu style, as it a personality like Edberg who are creative enough to re-purpose gear intended for other sports and use them for golf, reminding us that necessity is always the mother of invention.

8:00AM

Getting Social With Bunker Mentality

Grab yourself two pints of lager and a packet of crisps as Chapeau Noir catches up with Robert Hart of Bunker Mentality, the UK-based golf brand that brings great style and enthusiasm together to create a uniquely modern, yet traditional look for both on and off the course.

Find out what Hart says about the importance of social media to his brand, his brand philosophy, and even get a glimpse at what's in store for 2011 at Bunker Mentality.

Bunker Mentality has been a long standing supporter of Chapeaunoirgolf.com. Obviously you saw some sort of value in a blog focusing solely on golf fashion. Why was that?

Well, Bunker Mentality is also focused on golf fashion and we stroll the internet 'fairways' daily. Chapeau Noir was clearly a strong blog and focused only on clothing. Also, you have a really cool little hat as your logo which says style and cool. We should make some of those!

As you know Mike, at Bunker we like to 'spread the love' of the great game of golf and CNG is doing a very similar thing which is why things have worked so well. We have been delighted to be involved with CNG over the last year!

European Tour professional Paul Waring in Bunker Mentality for 2011.

I think even the more mature golf companies are beginning to realise clothing is an important part of the golf industry that has great potential. Retailers like clothing because for a customer it is generally less expensive than a set of irons, a driver or even a putter and also gives more margin and sells through more quickly.

With the growing importance of clothing, its good to see dedicated clothing website like CNG as there is such a lot of new product to talk about. So keep it rolling...its crazy good!

Let's get cracking on those Chapeau Noir hats! As one of the first golf apparel companies to really embrace social media to spread news of the brand, how important would you say your use of social media has been to your success in 2010?

The short answer is very important.

I think there is a fundamental change in consumer society and with ever faster internet, wifi and the latest mobile phones all making it easier for people to connect this will only grow in influence. Being in direct contact to your customers is fantastic as you can make your communication very clear and develop loyalty with the brand quicker. Possibly the best thing is that the communication process is two way unlike an advert in a magazine. Customers can interact with the brand easily, effectively and quickly and they seem to enjoy that more and more.

We have several social media channels and just recently created our own on line magazine called BunkerWorld all connected to our website. A number of years ago we stated our intention to create a new modern platform for golf fashion and expression internationally and we have done that. However, it's a never ending project as the internet is constantly growing and changing, we are now looking more towards adding a lot more video content over the next year. We want our customers to be able to communicate and get involved with the brand and this means you need to stay on top of all things happening internet and social media-wise. Already the days of sending out emails to your customer data base are numbered as there are easier, quicker and more effective ways of doing it.

European brands have had a very big influence on golf style in the past few years - slimmer lines and better fits being the two greatest benefits I see on course every week. What direction do you see golf fashion as a whole taking in the next year?

Paul Waring in Bunker Mentality's KingPIN zipper for 2011.I hope it continues to become more and more fashionable. There are now more companies bringing fashion to the fairways than when we started and that's good for growing the golf clothing sector. From our point of view we will continue to use colour with confidence and to make sure every piece of our collections has detail.

We will continue to design for a golfing addicts life style. For 2011 we have added cotton knitwear to our collection and you can see one of our European Tour pros (Paul Waring) has already bagged his favourite life style piece in the Bunker KingPIN zipper, pictured at right. We have more than doubled the number of technical pieces we have for 2011 which is an area we are excited about. We have put a lot of effort into details and the CMax Events polo shows this to best effect.

Bunker is very well know for adventourous strong branded products but we love details as well and this can be seen when people look closely at each piece. We will never do a plain piquet polo with our logo stuck on the chest. We always look to add detail and the CMax Events polo is a perfect example with it small micro collar, seaming and back shoulder panel details.

As you grow the business towards a North American presence, what can the Canadian and America market expect from Bunker Mentality?

They will get what the rest of the world gets...100% Bunker Mentality...clothing for golf addicts, people with a love of the great game and who have a different mentality. Our mission is always to design clothing that our customer can wear from the first tee to last orders in the bar and the recipe for this is a strong, confident adventurous brand that loves golf, golf and more golf. A brand that is about an experience and that experience will be delivered through our web platform 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Your brand is youthful, and has a bit of an edge to it that sets it apart from other brands. Did you make any changes or adjustments for the colonies?

Not in terms of the brand experience, the brands DNA will remain the same wherever in the world someone buys it. We have already added larger sizes into the range and this will be one of the biggest considerations. We had to add XS when we entered the Japanese market last year so its not a problem.

Its interesting you say Bunker is youthful and we recognise this, as we encourage people to live life young, but the average age of our customer is 35. Whilst this is not anywhere near old, its not youthful either. In today's world, age is not really a useful way of identifying customers and we would suggest its more about peoples attitude or mentality when it comes to their lifestyle.

We find "mutha puttas" come in all ages, shapes and sizes...it's about lifestyle.

Chapeau Noir agrees, it certainly is all about lifestyle. But, can someone please tell me why I'm always done my crisps before I'm finished my two pints?

Don't miss...

8:00AM

Canadian Content

Up here in the Great White North, we take our golf almost as seriously as we do our hockey, having elevated Mike Weir to a status previously reserved only for the likes of Wayne Gretzky.

While Weir didn't shoot Gretzky's jersey number, he did struggle, missing a cut for the second week in a row, much to the disappointment of the Weir fans pictured below, decked out in Augusta-esque caddy overalls, topped with hats in Canadian red.

Mike Weir wasn't short on support during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open at St. George's in Toronto. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images North America)

At the halfway point of our national open, an American with a French-Canadian sounding name - Brent Delahoussaye - is near the top of the leaderboard. Chapeau Noir is a big fan of the FootJoy Icon, and therefore admires Brent's choice in footwear. The FJ Icon Sport with a tan accent is exactly the pair we all need to mix in with a tan trouser - pure class!

Adam Hadwin of Canada chips onto the 18th green during round two of the 2010 RBC Canadian Open at St. George's Golf and Country Club on July 23, 2010 in Etobicoke, Canada. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images North America)It's football season here in Canada, and perhaps Daniel Chopra thought he was at the Hamilton Golf & Country Club, as he was sporting Hamilton Tiger Cat colors on Friday. Perhaps he'll go with Argonaut double blue on Saturday.

Paul Casey was a good lad to hoof it back over the pond after playing in the final pairing on Sunday at The Open Championship, but he does look a bit sleepy in that Nike shirt that should have more than enough wattage to dilate anyone's pupils.

Make a note to keep an eye on Spencer Levine, as he has loads of style going on. Sean O'Hair is looking tight in Ashworth, which is a good thing.

Today's fashion experiment? Chapeau Noir thinks Michael Letzig and his caddy might want to try trading hats, just to see what happens.

Canadian by the way of Trinidad and Tobago, Steven Ames of Nike is closer to flat belly than portly, but provides us with an excellent lesson in how horizontal stripes can be less than flattering at times.

This might be the Liberty School talking, but top Canadian Adam Hadwin seems to be channelling Adam Scott. See picture at right.

Finally, Chapeau Noir presents Kevin Na's Canadian Tribute: Une Homage Du Neige.