THE STORY OF AN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FASHION BRAND
The Story so far
Spring 2008
From early beginnings
Ian took up the game of golf at the age of four when his Dad, Terry, a single figure handicap golfer gave him a cut down three wood. Ian turned professional at the age of 19 when he won the Open de Cote d'Ivoire on the Challenge Tour in 1999. Winning the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year title in 2000 provided the spring board for Ian to become one of the most exciting talents on the European tour.
He was one of only seven players in 2007 to make all four cuts in the majors, to finish 13th at the Masters, to have two top tens on the US Tour, to win his eighth title in Japan. Quite an achievement for someone who has fought his way up the hard way from working as an assistant pro to thrusting himself into the world's Top 20.
The Launch of IJP and the brand philosophy
Ian began sketching designs in 2003 on hotel letterhead and airline coasters as he toured the world. It was not until four years later that Ian was able to realize his dream by translating his ideas into reality with the launch of IJP - (Ian James Poulter) which coincided with the British Open in July 2007
IJP is a high quality, unique and exciting golf and lifestyle brand with a fashionable edge. It is entirely focused on creating clothing which is both eminently practical but equally extremely stylish. Unlike many other sports fashion brands associated with international sportsmen and women, Ian is highly involved in each garment from conception to fruition. He is focused on the quality and fine details of each design so it will come as no surprise that each garment has been tested by Ian on the course prior to production.
Ian and trousers go together. The IJP brand philosophy is to 'lead with the legs' by designing the trousers first and then coordinating the rest of the outfit around them. As such, the Poulter Tartan is also one of the key elements of the IJP brand. The bespoke Poulter Tartans are milled in Scotland and for each different collection three different tartans are woven. The fabric is then cut and the trousers are handmade by a London tailor.
Where we are today
One year on and you can now see the IJP designs both on and off the golf course. IJP has been launched in over 17 countries worldwide and it is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and exciting golfing brands on the market. April 08 saw the launch of the second collection in the story of IJP with their Spring/ Summer range hitting golf stores worldwide.
Ian is not the only touring professional to be wearing IJP. Young rising British stars Gary Boyd and Steve Lewton are both dressed in IJP from top to toe. Also the talented British female twin golfers Sam and Jo Head wear IJP headwear.
The company number is 05780208.
The company is registered in the UK as Ian Poulter Enterprises Limited