International brand founders Erica and Stephen Malbon launch their largest store in Manila
Ask any young athlete what motivates them in their chosen sport and chances are, stylish outfits will make the list. The founders of Malbon know this all too well.
With their bold and visionary approach, Stephen and Erica Malbon bring a fresh, fashion-forward perspective to golf merchandise in a market of cookie-cutter homogeneity—propelling the Malbon brand to global success, with distribution in around 50 locations in South Korea and even making its way to Justin Bieber’s closet.
The Malbons’ entry into the golf apparel space is akin to a fresh, cool breeze on a hot summer day on the fairway.
Golf has seen a steady rise in popularity in the Philippines, especially through the pandemic when it was considered one of the few permitted activities. The sport continues to gain momentum with Filipino players making big swings overseas, from rising stars like Rianne Malixi to champions such as Bianca Pagdanganan, Yuka Saso, Miguel Tabuena, Angelo Que, Rico Hoey, golfers of all generations with Filipino heritage are making their mark on the global stage.
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Just recently, it was announced that the Sta. Elena Golf Club in Cabuyao, Laguna will host the Asian Tour International Series in October this year—marking one of the most thrilling times for golf in the country.
It’s the perfect time for Malbon to step in and be part of the action, supporting the sport they love in a country close to their hearts. Founded in Los Angeles in 2017, Malbon is the work of husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Erica Malbon, the latter of whom has Filipino roots.
Now, Malbon has arrived in the Philippines with its largest store yet, launched last week under TKG Lifestyle. The space joins a curated selection of brands outside Shangri-La The Fort, on the same row of TKG Lifestyle’s brands %Arabica and Gentle Monster.
The store itself is an experience that merits a photo as soon as you step in, with sophisticated interiors, sleek water installation, and striking silver sculpture, all designed by architectural firm Eve Architecture. Customers can use iPad self-checkouts or enter the exclusive Buckets Club on the second floor where VIP guests can unwind after a round of golf (or shopping). Erica personally oversaw the design process, as she herself picked the wood and stone materials.
The Malbons have a deep love for golf which they consider “the greatest game on Earth.” As a golfer myself, I can’t help but appreciate the passion, the fresh concepts, and the excitement they bring to the sport.
Here, we sat down with Erica to get to know more about the brand as they open their first store in the Philippines.
What drove you to establish Malbon?
Stephen, my husband and co-founder, and I started Malbon with the intent of inspiring young people to participate in the greatest game on Earth—which we consider to be golf. We both had a passion for the sport, and we wanted to bring a contemporary flair to the brand.
Golf has been known to be rooted in tradition where dress codes can oftentimes be strict. As lifestyle-inspired golf apparel, did you encounter any challenges?
Yes, we’ve definitely encountered challenges with disrupting the sport from a fashion perspective. Golf has always been known as very traditional and stuffy. We are bringing more fashion to the sport, which people sometimes resist because it’s so rooted in tradition—a tradition that we love and want to bring into the future.
I think something very special about the Malbon brand is that we root ourselves in the traditions of golf we love, but want to see them evolve into today’s world and bring younger people together through fashion.
Malbon’s aesthetic seems to appeal to teenagers and very young adults. Is this your primary target market? Do you also cater to an older demographic?
Our inspiration and our mission were always to inspire young people to participate in the game. I think that that vehicle for us was apparel because young people love fashion and culture. So if we were able to appeal to them through those genres, then it would attract them to the sport.
That’s always going to be our mission and that’s definitely our core consumer. What we have found is that younger people and older people are adapting it like other fashion trends. It starts with the youth, and then other generations catch on. People of all ages can appreciate what we’re doing for the sport through fashion, so we are inclusive and want everyone to partake.
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Golf suddenly rose in popularity during the pandemic years. How did this affect your business?
The pandemic was actually a time for golf to really shine. I think that throughout the last couple of years, it’s all come to a head in terms of people playing. So I think there was the movement of brands like ourselves starting to make apparel and to make a culture around golf that was more fun and accessible simultaneously.
When the pandemic hit, it gave people more free time to explore hobbies and try something new. I think it really helped propel our Malbon movement and our business forward a little faster. The pandemic, of course, was unfortunate, but it helped us look for the positive in every situation, for everyone at that time.
What is the Malbon fashion philosophy? What brand values do you stand for?
Malbon is a family brand started by my husband and myself. Everything has to be authentic to who we are and how we look at the game of golf and life.
All of the clothing that we produce has to have function but also a playful element that can speak to a wider range of customers. We want everyone to be part of it. Although we do exclusive collaborations and drops, it’s really about bringing people together and creating a community around golf, life, family, and fashion—bridging all those things together and having a lot of fun as a golfer yourself.
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Do you believe that style can help elevate the game?
In life and in golf, when you look good and feel good, you’re going to perform better and you’re going to have more confidence. Fashion and how you perform have always been something connected. Whether golfing on the course or at a job interview, if you feel good and confident, then you’re going to perform better, have more fun, and express yourself. I definitely think there’s a correlation between looking good and playing good.
What made you decide to open a flagship store in the Philippines?
The Philippines is definitely close to my heart. I lived in Manila as a child. My dad is Filipino and my mom is American. I lived here from when I was seven to 13 years old, but I’ve been visiting the Philippines my whole life.
There’s obviously that connection but just to see the people that have embraced the brand and the sport here has been so heartwarming and amazing. It only made sense for us to have our currently largest store in the world here in Manila.
Can you share with us your thought process on signing Filipino golfers Jason Day and Bianca Pagdangan as your brand ambassadors?
I think it’s an exciting time for athletes, especially those coming out of the Philippines. For example, one of the tennis stars performing so well, Alex Eala, is a Filipina. And then we have Bianca Pagdangan, who was fourth place in the Olympics last year. Then Jason Day, who has his Filipino heritage.
Clearly, I’m biased because of my background. I don’t want to say that’s part of the signing requirements, but something that I look to help put on a world stage is the athletes coming out of the Philippines.
But also, these are incredible people who are really dedicated to their sport, who work so hard, and are really making a name for themselves.
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Both you and Stephen are avid golfers. What’s your handicap?
Well, personally, I’m a 23 so I’m more of a recreational golfer than I am a professional. Stephen will tell you he’s a four. He’s a little more! He practices every single day.
I need to practice more, but I have a lot of fun. So I think that’s the balance—the Malbon brand stands for having fun on the golf course, getting out there, and playing. You don’t have to be the best, you don’t have to win, but you can just look good and have a lot of fun.
Malbon Golf is located at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City
Photos by JT Fernandez
Video by Claire Salonga
Interview by Lala Singian
