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adidas Golf ‘Rolling Links’ Collection
In an era where sport, style, and culture continuously blend in unexpected ways, adidas has once again pushed the boundaries with its latest capsule collection, the Rolling Links. This new range, born from a collaboration between adidas’ Golf and Skateboarding divisions, introduces a refreshing crossover between two seemingly opposite worlds - skateboarding and golf. The result is a stylish yet functional collection that is as bold as it is thoughtful, reflecting the growing convergence of sport and lifestyle.
Skateboarding Meets Golf: The Rise of a Unique Trend
Post-pandemic, golf has seen a surprising rise in popularity, especially among skateboarders looking for a more relaxed yet equally individualistic hobby. The notion may seem contradictory at first, given golf’s reputation for tradition and etiquette versus skateboarding’s free-spirited, anti-conformist culture. However, there are parallels: both sports place a premium on individuality, self-expression, and community. These commonalities have sparked interest in golf within the skating community, and adidas’ Rolling Links collection is the perfect manifestation of this unexpected trend.
The collection marks a new chapter in sports fashion, breaking down barriers and challenging perceptions of what golf apparel can be. The involvement of adidas pro skaters Nora Vasconcellos, Kader Sylla, Jack Fardell, and Zach Saraceno, who also share a love for golf, further reinforces the authenticity of the collaboration.
A Stylish Collaboration: Key Features of the Rolling Links Collection
The Rolling Links collection features an array of unisex apparel that perfectly balances technical performance and a laid-back, skate-inspired aesthetic. The range focuses on delivering relaxed yet athletic silhouettes in a versatile colour palette that includes greens, whites, blacks, and blues - colours synonymous with both the skate and golf worlds.
Key pieces in the collection include:
- Long-sleeve polo with subtle vertical stripes: This polo offers a modern twist on a golf classic, with contrasting collars and subtle detailing to add a touch of skate culture flair.
- Nylon gilet with knit waist and collar: Functional yet stylish, the gilet provides warmth on cooler days on the course while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look.
- Mock-neck short-sleeve shirts: Designed for a casual, sporty feel, the mock-neck shirt is a nod to skate fashion, where relaxed fits and minimalist design dominate.
- Crewneck windshirt: This lightweight, versatile windshirt is ideal for both golf and everyday wear, embodying the easy-going style of skateboarders while offering protection against the elements.
- Chinos and shorts: Available in muted tones like grey and black, these bottoms are perfect for both the course and the streets, with subtle adidas three-stripe detailing along the hem.
Featured Rolling Links Apparel
Rolling Links Skate Mock Neck Polo White - AW24
Rolling Links Skate Mock Neck Polo Black - AW24
Rolling Links Skate Polo Bold Green - AW24
Rolling Links Skate Polo Black - AW24
The Cultural Convergence: What Inspired the Collection?
The Rolling Links collection is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a celebration of the unexpected crossover between golf and skateboarding. At the heart of this collaboration is the shared ethos of both sports. Golf and skateboarding, though different in many ways, both emphasise self-expression and community, where individuality is at the forefront of the experience.
Adam Brown, senior brand director at adidas Skateboarding, highlights this connection: “This type of collaboration at adidas is just one that makes sense, especially since there are so many parallels between the two sports. We see the changes that are happening in golf from a style standpoint, and we’re excited to partner with the golf team on something unique for the course that has a skate influence.”
The result is a collection that disrupts traditional golf attire, introducing elements of skate culture into a space that has historically been more formal. Yet, this is no mere trend for trend’s sake. The collaboration taps into the organic interest skateboarders have shown in golf, offering them apparel that allows for self-expression both on the green and off.
Rolling Links Skate Polo Black - AW24
Rolling Links Chino Trousers Green - AW24
Superstar Skate Golf Shoes White/Green - AW24
Pushing the Boundaries of Golf Fashion
The Rolling Links collection also signals a broader shift in golf fashion. As Dylan Moore, creative director of adidas Golf, points out: “The golf fashion landscape today is getting influenced by numerous areas across sport, culture, and fashion. Like golf, skateboarding is a sport where style is unassuming, individual, and with a little bit of attitude. We saw an opportunity to bring some of that design direction from our skateboarding counterparts at the brand to create something truly unique for the course and continue to push golf fashion in a new way.”
This collection is not just about merging skate and golf styles - it’s about challenging the traditional norms of golf fashion. By incorporating skateboarding’s casual, unorthodox attitude into the more formal, rule-bound world of golf, adidas is making a bold statement: golf fashion can be as individualistic and expressive as skate culture, and it’s time for it to evolve.
The Appeal of Palm Springs: A Laid-Back Vibe
To launch the Rolling Links collection, adidas chose Palm Springs as the campaign backdrop, a setting known for its relaxed atmosphere and escape from the urban rush. Palm Springs perfectly reflects the ethos of the collection - a place where individuality, creativity, and leisure converge. The serenity and focus required in golf serve as a perfect counterbalance to the high-energy world of skateboarding.
A New Era for Golf Apparel
The adidas Rolling Links collection is a game-changer, both in terms of fashion and the cultural dynamics it represents. It’s a celebration of individuality, a nod to the growing intersection of sports and lifestyle, and a bold step in pushing golf fashion beyond its traditional boundaries. By merging the worlds of skateboarding and golf, adidas has created a collection that is not only stylish and functional but also culturally relevant, inviting people to express themselves no matter where they are - on the green or the streets.
As skateboarding continues to influence various aspects of fashion, and as golf becomes more inclusive and diverse, collaborations like this are set to become the norm. The Rolling Links collection is just the beginning of what could be a long and exciting partnership between these two sports, reshaping how we think about style on and off the course.