Gordon Merchant Came Out Of Shadows To Make These

Like, THE Gordon Merchant, the founder of Billabong. A gent who holds a very special place in surf culture; just as Jack O’Neill incessantly refined neoprene for a better surf experience, and Simon Anderson put an extra fin between his twin, Gordon was integral in steering surf shorts to a better place. ‘Scuse the preamble, but it should justify Stab’s excitement about Billabong’s 2017 “A Place In The Sun” entry. See, Mr Merchant came out of the shadows to create a pair of boardshorts that are nostalgic, symbolic, and if we’re honest, a little emotional. Sure, things are different from 1973 when GM starting selling the trunks he and his wife were sewing at the kitchen table. But when it comes to these boardshorts, the spirit of sun-chasing is bright as ever. Drop Creed McTaggart in a 70’s mushroom trip (c/o Dr D Foothead) for motion accompaniment, and Mr Occhilupo’s love for acting and you gots a full circle here.