A new lifestyle golf brand has landed in Manila, and The GAME checked out what all the hype is about.
Malbon’s flagship store in Manila finally opened its doors to the public when its grand opening on March 27 marked a significant milestone in the fusion of golf culture and streetwear fashion within the Philippines.
I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the brand’s unique approach to golf apparel, engage with celebrity golfers, reconnect with old friends (some of whom I was just learning were into the sport), and meet the passionate owners behind this innovative venture.
I’ve been following Malbon for quite some time now and I was curious to see what they will be offering in their first official store in the country.
Here are some of my early thoughts on Malbon’s arrival in the Philippines.
A brand revolutionizing golf fashion
Established in 2017 by the dynamic duo Stephen and Erica Malbon in Los Angeles, Malbon has rapidly distinguished itself in the fashion world. Their mission is to rejuvenate golf culture, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader, younger audience.
Golf in the Philippines has been on a steady increase in popularity ever since the pandemic, and more and more people are getting into the sport, including the younger generations. With the influx of younger golfers, not only in the Philippines but abroad as well, brands like Malbon thrive with designs and vibes that resonate closer to this generation.
Malbon achieves this by creatively blending streetwear aesthetics with the rich heritage of golf. The brand’s biweekly collection drops and diverse collaborations — with entities ranging from FootJoy to Coca-Cola, Jimmy Choo, and even the Wu-Tang Clan — exemplify their innovative spirit.
The Manila flagship store: A statement of intent
Strategically located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) at the Shangri-La, facing 5th Avenue, Malbon’s flagship store spans over half a city block.
This prime positioning, alongside esteemed brands like % Arabica and Gentle Monster (all of which are owned by TKG lifestyle, the same group that brought Malbon into the country), underscores Malbon’s commitment to establishing a formidable presence in the local market.
A personal encounter with Malbon’s offerings
During the grand opening, I was struck by the brand’s dedication to quality and style. They have a wide range of products from apparel for on and off the golf course — and honestly, I actually like their lifestyle and resort wear more than their performance wear.
The jackets are also a favorite of mine. They are made of premium material and are relaxed but sophisticated. They also have vests and outerwear, which will make sense if you play a lot in Tagaytay or Baguio; not so much in the hotter courses, though.
Aside from apparel, they also have a wide range of accessories, from range-finder bags, to travel and golf bags, club covers, gloves and even a practice disc for putting.
However, the premium pricing is noteworthy: Golf shirts start at PHP 8,000, bottoms can go up to PHP 20,000, shoes are all priced in the five-figure range, and bags go for PHP 20,000 and up.
These price points align with high-end golf brands but are infused with a hip, streetwear feel. It will be intriguing to observe how the local market, known for its discerning consumers, responds to this blend of fashion and function.
We all know, of course, that golf is not a cheap sport, so the majority of people who play it can more or less afford an 8,000-peso polo. But like I said, there is an influx of new golfers in the past five years from all walks of life, myself included.
I tried their Manila exclusive golf shirts and a pair of golf pants, then topped them off with their golf jacket and a golf hat. By then, I was already wearing more than PHP 40,000 worth of clothing, and I didn’t even have golf shoes on.
But of course, I loved the way I looked in the mirror.
Ultimately, it will come down to what you can afford. Their price points definitely put them closer to the luxury brands category when considering the Philippine market. When I got to the register, I only had the hat with me.
Now, is it worth it? It’s undeniably cool, and you will really stand out on the golf course with a Malbon outfit. I can’t speak to its performance, especially in our tropical weather, yet. Though I’m sure with the store’s opening, I will be seeing it more and more in the course, so I’ll be sure to ask them.
Authenticity and market dynamics
Prior to this flagship store’s inauguration, Malbon products were accessible primarily online through third-party distributors. It was challenging and even more expensive to get your hands on authentic Malbon products.
The establishment of an official store ensures that prices remain consistent with the suggested retail pricing, offering consumers authenticity and eliminating concerns about counterfeit products, which are definitely rampant online. This move not only solidifies the brand’s presence but also builds trust among local consumers.
A diverse and curious audience
The grand opening attracted a wide array of attendees, spanning various age groups. Even before they officially opened their doors to the public, there was already a long line outside and a decent line as well at the cash register, as patrons were eager to make their first official Malbon store purchases.
Despite its youthful and trendy branding, Malbon’s appeal evidently transcends age, resonating with both the young and the young-at-heart. This diversity speaks volumes about the brand’s potential to cultivate a broad customer base in the Philippines.
A personal connection to the Philippines
An interesting facet of Malbon’s story is its direct connection to the Philippines. Erica Malbon, co-founder of the brand, is Filipino-American. This personal tie adds depth to the brand’s entry into the Philippine market, suggesting potential for culturally inspired collections in the future.
They already have the Manila exclusive line out in the store and I won’t be surprised if they collaborate with local artists and brands for future exclusives.
Stephen Malbon: The visionary behind the brand
Before venturing into the golf fashion industry, Stephen Malbon had established himself in the creative and marketing sectors. His passion for golf, combined with his background in branding and design, led to the inception of Malbon Golf. His vision was to create a brand that not only offers stylish apparel but also builds a community around the sport, making it more inclusive and appealing to a younger demographic.
I also admire Stephen Malbon for being open about his journey to sobriety. This aspect of his life makes him very relatable and adds another layer to his authenticity. His willingness to discuss personal growth and the impact of sobriety on his success further highlights his openness and drive.
Conclusion: A stylish swing into the Philippine market
Malbon’s entry into the Philippine market is a bold move that blends fashion-forward designs with the traditional sport of golf. I see this brand as a disruptor, positioning itself as a high-end product but with streetwear appeal.
While the premium pricing may be a consideration for some, the assurance of authenticity and the brand’s unique aesthetic are likely to resonate with a discerning clientele of golfers, and even non-golfers who want to stand out on and off the course.
As the local market continues to evolve, Malbon’s fusion of style and sport presents an exciting opportunity for Filipino golf enthusiasts to express themselves beyond the tee box.