Leading Women’s Apparel Designer Profiled in Magazine’s Inaugural ‘Style Issue’
(Vancouver, BC, Canada) – Linda Hipp, founder of the popular golf and sportswear brand LIJA, has been designated a “Design Star” by Golf For Women in the July/August issue of the world’s leading women’s-specific golf publication that reaches more than two million readers per issue.
This distinction is part of a 10-page feature chronicling the impact select designers have had upon the golf industry. In particular, Hipp is recognized as “instrumental in bridging the gap between golf and fashion” and pushing the evolution of women’s golfwear into a chic market category that transcends the course.
“I figured that there must be a lot of women like me, searching for golf apparel that looked good and made them feel good on the course,” says Hipp of her initiation into the industry a decade ago. “Dressing in a way that makes you feel confident ultimately helps you in any activity. That was the inspiration behind LIJA and has been a key to our creating apparel for all phases of an active lifestyle.”
A centerpiece of Golf For Women’s inaugural Style Issue, the “Design Stars” story explores the role Hipp, Johan Lindeberg, Nancy Haley and others have had in helping women’s golf fashion move beyond shapeless polos and baggy shorts.
“That we can even say ‘women’s golf’ and ‘style’ in the same sentence…shows the influence of the dynamic designers we profile in ‘Design Stars’,” says Susan K. Reed, Editor in Chief of Golf For Women.
For Fall 2008, LIJA has introduced six vibrant collections fusing sport, leisure and fashion with unique color stories, chic details and an expanded range of outerwear across more than 200 pieces. Shipping of these collections will continue through December.
A pioneer in the golf apparel industry, LIJA’s growing presence in top clubs is supported by a variety of initiatives, including its Tour Style Leaders program. The unique new approach to sponsorship provides eight elite players from the LPGA, Futures and Ladies European Tour with an expansive selection of LIJA products to wear on- and off-course in 2008. The golfers are also entered into a season-long competition for a Grand Prize valued at $25,000 consisting of a cash bonus and apparel sponsorship for the 2009 playing season, among other components.
LIJA is a staple in finer golf and non-golf retailers across North America, including world-renowned resorts and clubs like Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island and Whistling Straights. The company’s clothing is worn by scores of women golf professionals worldwide, including Marisa Baena, Courtney Erdman, Jennifer Greggain, Christina Kim, Leta Lindley, Brenda McLarnon, Jane Park and Georgina Simpson.
For more information, call 888.263.1191 or visit www.lijastyle.com.
About LIJA
LIJA is a market leader in fashion-forward styles featuring feminine and comfortable silhouettes inspired by the fusion of sport, leisure and fashion. The brand’s distinctive excellence is driven by LIJA’s passion, commitment and dedication to creating innovative designs.
Having received significant recognition within and outside the golf industry, LIJA has achieved organic annual sales growth of at least 50 percent every year. Enjoying a rapidly expanding sales force and account base in North America, LIJA recently began selling into the UK, Ireland, South Africa and United Arab Emirates markets.
Recent recognition for the company includes:
2008 PROFIT 100 Rankings of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies
2007 “Business of the Year” — Richmond Chamber of Commerce
2007 PGA Magazine — Resort Top Seller
2007 PGA Magazine — Private Course Top Seller
2007 Best of Show Honors at PGA Show — Golfing Magazine
2007 PROFIT 100 Rankings of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies
2006 PROFIT W100 Ranking of Canada’s Top Women Entrepreneurs
2006 Business in Vancouver “BC’s 50 Fastest-Growing Companies”
2005 Canadian Golf Company of the Year — Score Golf magazine
Individually, Linda Hipp has been honored as a grant recipient of the Matinee Fashion Foundation Award, which annually recognizes and funds select Canadian designers, and voted a “40 Under 40” winner by Business in Vancouver.
An avid and highly-skilled golfer, Hipp struggled to find on-course apparel that meshed with her off-course fashion sensibility. Recognizing a market opportunity — and the chance to combine her passions for fashion, golf and business — Hyp Golf was launched in July 1997. The company re-branded as LIJA in late 2004. Chiefly influenced by both European trends and West Coast style, Hipp has garnered a widespread reputation as one of North America’s hottest sportswear designers.
Contact:
Andrea Latta
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3383
alatta@billycaspergolf.com
