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Inside Rhone’s first women’s collection and its partnership with the LPGA Tour – Australian Golf Digest

Inside Rhone’s first women’s collection and its partnership with the LPGA Tour – Australian Golf Digest

When it launched 10 years ago, being a beloved golf brand wasn’t a part of Rhone’s plan. In its early days, Rhone existed in a space that could easily translate from the office to everyday men’s and lifestyle wear—but with its clean lines and buttery-soft fabrics, golfers gravitated toward Rhone’s pants and polos for an easy going, streamlined look on and off the greens. Over the last decade, the brand has established itself in comfort-focused performance men’s apparel and is now expanding into a new market. Two years in the making, Rhone, spearheaded by the female voices within the brand, has developed a lifestyle and sportswear collection curated for women. In conjunction with a partnership with the LPGA and Epson Tour, Rhone is diving headfirst into a new venture, with women’s golf as the vehicle.

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As the LPGA and its players continue to step into the spotlight, the timing of Rhone’s debut “Course to Court” collection couldn’t be more perfect. Comprised of six silhouettes varying in six different color options, the collection embraces minimal, elevated basics suited for those in constant motion. Inspired by the bustling rapids of the Rhone River that flows from the Swiss Alps to the south of France, Rhone has rooted itself in earthy tones, proving that neutrality doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

The statement piece of the collection, the Course to Court Sport Dress, is a slim-fitted, A-line active dress with built-in shorts providing you with ample support and coverage as you move. With smooth, four-way stretch technology, the dress contours your body ensuring a great fit without feeling restricted. Whether you’re wrapping up a quick nine or a friendly match of tennis (or pickleball), this dress, like other Rhone staples is designed for every occasion.

Rhone Women's Course to Court Sport Dress Rhone Women’s Course to Court Sport Dress $118 | Rhone Buy Now

Pair the sport dress with the sleek Course to Court quarter-zip, for a dynamic matching set that looks as effortless as it feels. The brand’s signature knit-fabric technology is soft to the touch and has a weightless feel as you wear it.

Rhone Women's Course to Court Quarter-Zip Rhone Women’s Course to Court Quarter-Zip $108 | Rhone Buy Now

The collection also features a series of different top options, including two sleeveless polos (one a trendy quarter-zip mockneck) and a classic short-sleeved polo, with gold accenting details. Rounding off the Course to Court collection is a flattering skirt that rivals the likes of lululemon and Athleta in terms of design and feel. Crafted with intentional simplicity, mix and match pieces or go full out with a monochromatic fit for a polished, sophisticated look.

Rhone Women's Course to Court Sleeveless Polo Rhone Women’s Course to Court Sleeveless Polo $88 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Course to Court Polo Rhone Women’s Course to Court Polo $98 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Course to Court Sport Skort Rhone Women’s Course to Court Sport Skort $88 | Rhone Buy Now

The full women’s launch offers a series of leggings, joggers, cozy sweaters and hats suited for yoga, everyday errands and those days of rest and lounging.

Designed with everyday women in mind, the collection was developed through focus groups to capture the essence of its consumers and what they desire when it comes to multifunctional athleisure.

Rhone Women's DreamGlow Full Zip Hoodie Rhone Women’s DreamGlow Full Zip Hoodie $128 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Everyday Hat Rhone Women’s Everyday Hat $32 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's DreamGlow Jogger Rhone Women’s DreamGlow Jogger $118 | Rhone Buy Now

“This [collection] wasn’t out of thin air,” says Emma Crepeau, Rhone’s Chief Growth Officer. “There was a lot of time spent working with data to ask our consumers, what do you want? What do you want it to look like? What do you want it to feel like? How do you want us to present this to you? So we conducted focus groups and data surveys, and we got out into the market of our stores and those consumers. And that’s happened throughout this development process.”

From everyday customers and fans to the game’s greatest female players, Rhone was meticulous in creating something that felt cohesive and authentic.

Announced early in the year, Rhone and the LPGA’s partnership is geared towards performance and empowering those wearing the collection. The brand also will serve as the on-course apparel partner of the LPGA Tour and Epson Tour as well as the official staff uniform provider of both tours.

“The LPGA and Rhone are united by a common passion and a shared commitment to innovation and excellence,” Crepeau explains. “Together, we combine our missions to inspire performance, empower individuals to reach their full potential, and to instill life skills within communities. Fueled by our collective support in the pursuit of progress, we look forward to working together to assist talent in developing and achieving success.”

Mental health and fitness are woven into the brand’s DNA, and providing adequate support to players and those involved in the organization is a huge goal for Rhone and its team. Through a series of initiatives in and around tour events, the brand hopes to continue to assist in elevating women’s golf to new heights.

“[The] LPGA and its players are an inspiration, and it is an honor to have Rhone aligned with the organization as we enter a new chapter of our brand with our women’s offering,” says Nate Checketts, CEO and Co-Founder of Rhone. “There’s an opportunity to build something that hasn’t really existed, and that’s exciting.”

Last week at the LPGA’s Cognizant Founders Cup, Rhone was on-site with activation set-ups for patrons, including LPGA*USGA Girls Golf participants and their families, as the first of many planned events.

The women’s collection is now available to shop online and in stores.

More from the Rhone Women’s Collection Rhone Women's Course to Court Polo Rhone Women’s Course to Court Polo $98 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Course to Court Quarter-Zip Rhone Women’s Course to Court Quarter-Zip $108 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Visor Rhone Women’s Visor $34 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Everyday Hat Rhone Women’s Everyday Hat $32 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Serene Tank Rhone Women’s Serene Tank $64 | Rhone Buy Now Rhone Women's Revive 7/8 Pocket Legging Rhone Women’s Revive 7/8 Pocket Legging $108 | Rhone Buy Now

This article was originally published on golfdigest.com