“Golf is known as a ‘country club sport’ that’s typically closed off to a lot of people,” says Chris Mart in a StockX exclusive interview previewing a collaboration between his AKILA eyewear brand and California’s own Malbon golf lifestyle label.
From exclusive country clubs to a lack of accessibility, golf traditionally has catered to those of a higher socioeconomic status. AKILA is one of many brands looking to open up the sport to a new age of players and they’re doing so by partnering with Malbon, an apparel brand that has shed light on golf’s exclusionary culture.
To clarify, AKILA is not a golf brand by any means. The LA-based company focuses solely on making expressive eyewear for those who want something outside of the normal pool of options. At its core, Malbon shares that same mission and seeks to lure in a diverse audience by creating pieces that are different from typical golf apparel.
Together, the two brands are looking to shift norms and change the golf scene with fresh looks and ideas. That was what drew Mart into working with Malbon in the first place. “Malbon is all about being more inclusive and sharing the fun with everyone,” he says. AKILA and Malbon’s collaboration has birthed products that are unique for the sport, starting with two sets of sunglasses – the Hunter and Heritage – in four frame options. The Heritage set features a more casual vibe that is reminiscent of traditional shades, while the Hunter pair boasts both iridescent and black lenses for a sporty look.
The shades aren’t what one would usually see on the course – and that’s exactly the point. They stand out from the pack and aren’t anything “too serious,” as Mart explains it. “The glasses speak for themselves. We don’t want it to be this serious, dressed-up thing. Even with the photoshoot, we just got a bunch of friends together and had fun on the green – that’s exactly what golf should be.”
The DropX™ Exclusive: The AKILA x Malbon Sunglass CollecCon releases May 26th on StockX.
