« Striving For Something A Little Different »

Searching the golf blogosphere in search of unique new brands can often prove a difficult task. Many of Chapeau Noir's readers are looking beyond the traditional brands in an effort to wear what reflects their personality.

One such brand that satisfies those who have grown weary of a homogenous look is Bunker Mentality. Chapeau Noir was fortunate to have a virtual chat with Robert Hart, the creative mind behind this UK-based golf apparel company.

The Bunker Mentality Playa Loco Stripe Chapeau Noir: Welcome to chapeaunoirgolf.com! To kick things off, how would you describe your own personal style, both on and off the course?

Robert Hart: Well, I like to wear jeans, t-shirts and trainers every day. I am a passionate about clothing and particularly love graphic t-shirts, I'm an avid collector! I love detail in clothing, not always necessarily 'in your face' branding, but I believe that the little details on clothing transmit a clear message to the customer that we strive to offer something a little different.

As to my on course wear, I don't get much chance, but its Bunker Mentality of course!

CN: With so many golf polos and trousers on the market, what sets Bunker Mentality apart from its competition?

RH: I think we have a strong brand image and ethos which communicates very well. Our style is very contemporary and fashion conscious, we like to make bold statements and we use colour with confidence. We like to have fun and be a little irreverent when possible and our graphic t-shirts allows us to do this. I can't think of any other golf company that does what we do on t-shirts.  We are a lot about details, small touches that create a difference like we have on our Playa (player) shirts. The brand is also very broad in that you can be very smart with our Playa shirt and straight edge trousers for your company golf day, or you can bring out your altered ego and wear a polo, belt and hat all emblazoned with our 'Skull & Cross golf clubs" logo. The choice is there for the individual.

CN: You have a couple of young European professionals representing Bunker Mentality in John Gallagher and Paul Waring. How did you go about choosing the right players for your brand?

RH: Well, they both came to us and they were very enthusiastic about the brand. This is the key factor...they have to believe in what we are doing and they have to want to live the brand. We are going to add to the list for the coming season but the key factor is they have to love the brand and what we do. We get lots of calls from various management companies and I say we are happy to work with any pro that likes what we do and wants to represent what we do.

CN: When bringing your brand across the pond to North America, what made you choose Canada as your launching point?

RH: Well again Canada came to us. Last year we had meetings with three Canadian distributors and we selected Glen Argyle to be our partner as they are a clothing company and have been doing the job in golf clothing for a long time now. Its very important to work with people who understand clothing and brands as well as golf. It does seem Canada is leading the way in North America when it comes to new trends in golf.

CN: While Bunker Mentality has a distinctively youthful vibe, offerings such as your cardigans and jumpers are a tip of the chapeau to golf apparel classics. How do you Bunker Mentality evolving in the future?

RH: By creating future classics and new traditions in golf. We will do this firstly through our clothing and then through other extensions and crucially our internet platform. For our clothing, we will continue to look to the 'high street' for direction and influence and we will use this to continue the golf lifestyle that we have been for a number of years now. Constant product development is a massive focus for us and we will extend into more technical areas over the next few months as well as more accessories.

Finally you use the world youthful which we are because we believe you should live life young what ever your age. It is a state of mind or mentality, but the average age of our customer is a 35-ish guy who doesn't want to dress like his dad or become his dad just yet.

Bunker Mentality Product Review

• Don't miss Chapeau Noir's review of the Bunker Mentality Range!