McCartney Designs Adidas Women Golf Wear

By Cathy Rose A, Garcia Staff Reporter Even as more young women take up golf, there is a lack of stylish golf outfits available in the market. Now, top designer Stella McCartney hopes to bring a sense of style to the course by introducing a women's golf wear line for German sports giant Adidas. Recognizing the growing number of young women golfers, McCartney created a golf wear collection that merges fashion with functionality. ``I think it is about time that women who play golf can now echo what they wear in everyday life on the green. It's exciting for me to bring a bit of an edge to golf,'' she said, in a statement. The golf wear range was introduced in Seoul during the Adidas by Stella McCartney spring/ summer 2008 fashion show at Fradia, Hangang Park, southern Seoul, Thursday. Instead of a usual runway fashion show, the hall was turned into a mini-park with a pool, golf driving range and a running track. Models showed how the clothes were not just stylish but also functional by playing golf, jogging and even doing yoga stretches. Seeing the models, clad in tailored Bermuda shorts with crisp white tops while practicing golf swings, is almost enough to make you want to take up golf so you can wear the cute outfits. McCartney's golf range is inspired by men's silhouettes and traditional tailoring, but with a touch of femininity. She created smock tops, ribbed polo shirts, cropped pants and swing jackets, which came in shades of khaki and white, with a hint of metallic colors. Her Garbato golf shoe offers waterproof technology, but includes details such as embroidery eyelets and a removable kiltie tongue that covers the shoelaces. If golf isn't your sport, you can still dress up in McCartney's designs for the gym, running, swimming and tennis. Her spring/ summer 2008 collection features a subtle combination of shades, with metallic tones and hints of pop colors. For gym-goers, the collection offers short-sleeved light jackets, loose-fitting tank tops, leggings and hooded jackets. Some of the items are stylish enough to be worn both inside and outside the gym. McCartney designed running outfits using lightweight materials. Some pieces were inspired by vintage running styles, but with a modern twist. The tennis collection features flirty skirts and feminine one-piece dresses, while the swimwear collection includes sexy cut-out swimsuits and sporty bikinis. The collection is also becoming more eco-friendly, with the inclusion of 100 percent organic cotton pieces and a new packaging concept with boxes made out of 100 percent recycled paper. McCartney has been collaborating with Adidas since 2005, reaping critical acclaim and commercial success. She is the daughter of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. McCartney was previously chief designer of French fashion house Chloe, and now has her own fashion label. cathy@koreatimes.co.kr