Nancy Lopez Golf is a lifestyle and sportswear brand founded by the famous golf alumni, best known for her 48 LPGA Tour wins. Specializing in pieces that are mindfully designed with comfort and performance in mind, the brand carries everything from matching separates to headwear and golf towel accessories.
The company spotlights unique fabric technologies including "Delux Dri Moisture wicking, Water Resistant, Wind Resistant and UPP" and fit Innovations like the "Zero Point Underarm detail for comfort wear and no peek underarm and Ultra-Slimming wide and flat waistbands."
Christie Hall, Director of Product Development & Design at Nancy Lopez Golf spoke about her experience with the brand and about its innovative approach to ideation and production.
"I started designing the Nancy Lopez Golf line while working as Senior Designer, Brand Manager at Antigua Golf. Tournament Sports was the distributer for Antigua Golf in Canada. At the time, there was not a Women’s offering. Kim Bauer, the owner of Tournament Sports, saw a need in the market and pushed for Antigua to partner in a new venture. The first line was branded Antigua in the US and Nancy Lopez in Canada."
"Innovation is about creating something better and making it available to the world. New design ideas come from many sources. Callouts from sales reps and customers for more UV protection or printed dresses guide the assortment. Market and trend research have also been crucial for evolving our concepts. For example, as the fashion market began to show more volume in garments, the shift was made to add flounces and volume into the design of our skirts, shorts and dresses in Nancy Lopez Golf. Nancy Lopez herself brings exceptional insight such as adjusting the back pocket depth to ensure fit for a golf scorecard."
When it comes to fostering creativity, "I keep a bin or file for new design ideas. I then add feedback and suggestions to the bin. When beginning to design the next season, stepping away and being completely open is key. Resetting and starting fresh is essential at the beginning of each new design window. Innovation is Risk. Plain and simple. But without risk, there is no reward. Some things will not work and some will. A new printed backpack concept will not get off the ground, but a new hat shape with broad sun protection appeal will take off for multiple seasons in various colors and prints. That is considered a success."
Multifunctional Golf Apparel
Nancy Lopez Golf Combines Mindful and Functional Pieces With Style
Trend Themes
1. Functional Fashion - Fashion brands can innovate by creating stylish designs that prioritize both comfort and performance.
2. Innovative Fabric Technologies - Developing unique fabric technologies that improve performance can be a key factor in creating successful clothing lines.
3. Mindful Design - Designers can gain an edge by creating products that address the needs of their customers, such as adding flounces and volume to skirts, shorts, and dresses.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - Creating sportswear that combines performance and comfort can lead to popular and successful products.
2. Fashion - Innovating in the fashion industry by creating functional and stylish clothing can lead to a competitive edge.
3. Textile Manufacturing - Developing unique fabric technologies for clothing can lead to successful partnerships with clothing brands that prioritize performance and comfort.