Jillian Mele and Kristen Casey, Co-founders of LemonRose Golf, playing golf at Flourtown Country Club. Not pictured yet: Their designs! Photo credit: Brandon Stearns.
We get this question a lot: Of all the clothing you could design, and of all the professions you could switch to… why women’s golf?!
The short answer? We believe this is the perfect moment for fashion and golf to collide in a way that hasn’t been done before. And we think women are more than ready for it.
It’s easy to say we couldn’t find what we were looking for—and that’s true. But for me, the deeper reason is more personal. During my time in broadcasting, I had the opportunity to wear some of the most beautiful fashion, and I remember exactly how it made me feel. It made me stand a little taller. It gave me more confidence.
In the golf world, I think women’s clothing has been an afterthought for far too long. For the longest time, women’s golf apparel consisted of basically a men’s polo made smaller and pink. Case in point - my very first golf shirt - check out the photo. We call this “shrink it and pink it.” And honestly, I see no reason why we can’t feel beautiful and play golf at the same time.
Jillian Mele, Co-founder of LemonRose Golf's, first golf shirt that had the "shrink it and pink it" vibe.
A moment, though, for the clothes that I had the privilege of wearing on television: structured, beautiful silhouettes, flattering designs and details, and colors that rivaled the crayon box. It was like this beautiful artwork was draped on me and, to be honest, it made me feel special. That’s the feeling I think is missing from so much of women’s golf wear. Not that the same styles and structures can exist and be athletic, but I think they can be better than what we’ve been given over the years in golf clothing.
I want the clothes we are creating to give women that instant confidence boost and pep in their step—whether they’re walking out to the first tee box, picking up a club for the first time, or simply having cocktails after a round. I want women to feel thought of in every detail we’ve meticulously crafted, and to feel special because they’re wearing something that doesn’t resemble a traditional athletic uniform.
So, when I am asked, “Why women’s golf clothes?” The answer is simple: I want women to feel beautiful on and off the course, because I know the ripple effect it has.
Jillian Mele, Co-founder of LemonRose Golf, broadcasting from New York City to a national and international audience.
That leads me to September of 2024. After years of saying to Kristen “Let’s design dresses!” or “Let’s create blazers!” … take three was: “Let’s create golf clothing!” Her immediate response? “YES!” And that night, we started sketching. I should say—she started sketching. My “sketches” were little triangle shapes on paper, and I called them outfits. I can do many things… and drawing is not one of them!
Kristen has always been my fashionable friend. She shows up, and it’s game over. Always stylish, always perfectly styled, and always on point. Did I mention… always? She shows up and it's game over. Always stylish, always perfectly styled, and always on point.
I knew this would be a big venture.
I knew I needed the right partner.
And I knew exactly who it was.
Jillian Mele and Kristen Casey, Co-founders of LemonRose Golf, sourcing fabric at Texworld NYC in Manhattan the summer of 2025.
Being a lover of all things fashion, I want to look my best and feel my best no matter what I’m doing. And that includes golfing.
As a child, even my pajamas HAD to match before I would go to bed and my mom would joke that I had to look good in my dreams. It's silly but true. There is something to be said about the way you present yourself in all aspects of your life, maybe not necessarily for bed, but certainly professionally, on the course, and for me as a mom. Read the blog titled "First Impression: Your Secret Weapon to Winning Before You Start."
And yes, while it is true that we couldn't find anything we liked to play golf in, it goes so much deeper than that. We are two girls who have always taken our personal style very seriously in everyday life and even bonded over beautiful fashion, while sitting together at New York Fashion Week shows. I’ve studied some of the most iconic designers and had the opportunity to see these fabrics being created in Milan, Italy and other parts of the world. I want to feel like I'm wearing that type of luxury whenever I can and yes, that includes on the golf course. While I’m deciding what to wear on a daily basis I go through a process of methodically picking each piece to create one cohesive look. How does it look all together? Do the fabrics complement each other? Do the colors play off each other well? Where can I pull in an additional color? What type of shoe will look best? Silver or gold jewelry? How many bracelets. I love my bracelets. Putting together my full outfit is a process that I love to do for myself and lets me feel my best self throughout the day. I often say that style is a way to express yourself with just one glance, and for me, self expression is very important.
Jillian Mele and Kristen Casey Co-founders of LemonRose Golf together at NYFW in 2019.
While getting dressed for a round of golf, a game so rooted in history, we as women aren't offered these same choices. And of course, we are not deciding between heels and flats and stacking a lot of bracelets but it would still be nice to wear something that reflects my own personality, while still staying true to the traditions of the game. So when we are asked this question, I think about what we do after a round of golf, meet for a cocktail, have dinner? Why does it always have to be obvious that we just played golf? We want to look like we are there for cocktails and conversation, albeit about that perfect drive on three or that 18 foot putt on 12 but for too long it's been a uniform that doesn't need to be a uniform. It's time to combine fashion and functionality and get out there for a great round of golf with friends then walk into dinner after looking fresh and stylish!
Alright, I think you deserve a hint as to what LemonRose is going to offer.
Polka dots, stripes and plaid… but maybe not how you think. Stay tuned!!