Overview
Stephen Malbon, founder of Malbon Golf, shares the brand’s journey from a creative project to a cultural movement in golf, discussing inspiration, design processes, brand evolution, and the importance of authenticity, experimentation, and community within the industry.
Brand Origins and Creative Process
- Malbon Golf began as a mood board and evolved into a leading brand redefining golf culture.
- Continued use of mood boards and reference collecting for each new collection, combining analog methods with digital tools.
- Emphasizes the importance of in-depth research and reference in all design work.
- Stresses that designing by hand leads to more authentic, memorable results than relying solely on digital methods.
- Views the computer as a tool for execution, not the main source of creativity.
Brand Philosophy and Positioning
- Malbon likens its brand style to a “mixtape”—experimental and versatile—contrasting with more structured, “album”-style big brands.
- The "why not" mentality drives creative decisions, allowing for freedom and rapid innovation.
- Independence from large retail chains enables greater freedom and reduced external creative constraints.
- Prioritizes community input and direct-to-consumer relationships over meeting large buyer demands.
Inspiration and Influences
- Draws inspiration from diverse sources: skateboarding, hip-hop, graffiti, fashion, and personal life experiences.
- Believes in building on life experiences and cultural touchpoints rather than strictly following golf industry trends.
- Influenced by global experiences, such as recent travels and various cultural environments.
Operational Structure and Planning
- Works far in advance on collections (currently designing for Spring/Summer 2027).
- Balances monthly capsule drops, biannual collections, collaborations, and evergreen “Icons” basics.
- Engages at the early and final phases of product creation while leaving technical and logistical details to specialized team members.
- Willing to delay or cancel releases if they don’t meet internal standards or fit the brand vision.
Community, Competition, and Collaboration
- Views personal growth and inspiration as key drivers, rather than external competition.
- Believes multiple brands are required for a cultural movement and values both established and up-and-coming brands.
- Advocates for supporting other brands and fostering a collaborative culture within golf.
Brand Identity and Memorable Moments
- Considers the heather athletic gray sweatsuit, as worn by Jason Day, as a quintessential representation of the brand.
- Celebrates freedom and authenticity by allowing athletes to express themselves through unique apparel choices.
- Enjoys close, collaborative relationships with brand athletes and emphasizes the value of their individuality.
Advice for Aspiring Brands
- Urges new brands to focus on community building and authentic engagement, not just product creation.
- Encourages using readily available technology and platforms to grow visibility and following.
- Stresses realism about business challenges and advises against relying solely on aesthetics for sales.
Reflections and Personal Growth
- Cites passion, obsession, and the ability to see problems differently as key to Malbon’s success.
- Finds fulfillment in blending creativity with business, treating work as a joyful pursuit rather than a job.
- Attributes resilience and perseverance to deep love for the work and the industry.
Decisions
- Continue designing collections well in advance to maintain innovation and manage team workload.
- Delay or cancel products that don’t meet standards, rather than releasing subpar offerings.
Action Items
- TBD – Team: Finalize upcoming “Foraging Fairways” collection logistics and photo shoot.
- TBD – Team: Launch new campaigns featuring athletes, highlighting the brand’s inclusive, community-focused ethos.
- TBD – Stephen Malbon: Maintain regular reviews of product samples before final release.
Recommendations / Advice
- Build a brand by nurturing your community and engaging directly with your audience.
- Let personal experiences, passions, and gut instincts guide creative decisions.
- Use both analog and digital research methods to fuel inspiration and storytelling.
- Stay adaptable and open to cross-cultural and cross-industry influences.