Our appetite for adventure never wanes, and often, this brings the unexpected–in a good way. For our spring photoshoots, we explored three new spots – Hood River, Joshua Tree and Boulder – while staying true to our love of the Hawaiian Islands and our amazing real women “models.”
They weren’t kidding when they called this town the wind capital of the world. The feeling on the Columbia River is electric, where the rush of wind literally never stops. This made for some exceptional kite-boarding with our new “model” Colleen. And we were finally able to try something we’ve been dying to capture this year: mountain biking on trails with wooden berms and jumps. Hood River has a fantastic course tucked deep in the woods. Whitney was fired up to shred (over, and over, and over) for the perfect shot, no matter how cold the rest of us got!
One of the highlights of our spring photoshoots was our bare bones adventure to Joshua Tree. We piled into a vintage VW van in Costa Mesa with our “models” Caitlin and Jennica, and photo team, Ann and Freya. Trekking three hours into the desert during a thunder and lightning storm, we arrived at the campsite after nightfall, in the rain. There’s nothing quite like setting up a tent by lightning flashes.
Camping, hiking, climbing, cooking, and modeling our gear (all without a shower), definitely got real after a few days – but our clothes, and our “models,” held up beautifully! No make up. Barely running a brush through their hair. Sleeping under the stars. Living off coffee, energy bars, and fruit. Our “models” are the real deal. 
It’s no surprise that we returned to our first love, Hawaii, for our spring shoot. Not just for the warmth and beauty of the islands, but also because this crew is up for anything! Joss and Tyneski on Oahu, and Caydie and Shawn on the Big Island, continue to keep things exciting year after year; whether we are tackling huge waves on the North Shore, getting dirty in the taro fields, or stuffing our faces with fresh mochi on the Big Island.
MAHALO NUI LOA:
Giant thanks to our photographers: Joss, Caydie McCumber, Freya Fennwood, Martin Sundberg, Jeff Deiner and Robert Houser – they understand our brand and make us shine. Additional thanks to our photo assistants: Har Rai Khalsa and “Mayor” Shawn Pila; and our up-for-anything “models:” Tyneski Quintel, Colleen Carroll, Whitney, and Jennica Lowell. A special shout out to Caitlin Davis-Levin for not only being a T9 “model” for ten years and counting, but for epitomizing our brand and making us laugh until our face hurts.
Meet more of our real-women “models” or find out next time we’ll be scouting for models in your neck of the woods.
A good while ago, I wrote in about using a helmet in bike photo shoots that seem appropriate. Above, I see you have done so. THANK YOU! Your behind the scenes page was a pleasure to explore.
Yep I’m 54… always go with a bathing suit from title nine. I’m with the others seeing some 50, 60 ,70 year old models ( as I see on the lake, in the yoga class, on the beach in your clothes) would be refreshing in your catalog… I’m sure if you did a survey this age group is a huge supporter of your merchandise. Keep up the good work and hope to see a bit of this in the future!
First, I love the quality of your clothes! They are definitely a go to when I want to be sure I’m getting clothes that will work for whatever activity I’m up to. Every since I have found Title Nine I look forward to getting the catalog in the mail (my age is showing), just to browse and see the real women you feature. It is so inspiring to see real, cool women who work, play and love life! I’m wondering though if you have ever considered doing a feature on the first Title Nine women, you know the ones that pushed that movement thru so the rest of us could play any sport and also get an equal education as boys. With the direction of our new leadership jeopardizing some of these values I hope you would consider honoring these founding women! Thanks for great clothes and a great company for all women!
Hi Mary, we’re so glad you like getting our catalog in the mail! And we agree that it’s important to feature the women trailblazers of Title IX who have gotten us where we are today. We often feature these types of stories on our Facebook page if you’d like to follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/titlenine/ and we have a great feature about the origins of our name (scroll down to see some of the women trailblazers you speak of): https://www.titlenine.com/category/company-info/title-ix-stats-womens-sports-heroes.do. Thanks for the great comment!
Every time I get these emails/blog posts or receive a new title 9 catalog I always wonder, where are the models that are older-in their 50s and 60s? where are those real people? In Seattle I shop at the Green Lake Title nine store. My friend and I walk the trail around green lake and always stop in. We buy clothing at that store. Both of us are in our 60s. I see women my age shopping there often. If your theme is “real women” where are the women in these emails and your catalogs that look like my friend and me? For a store we love so much that has themes with such uplifting messages that inspire women to look like real women it’s disappointing that they don’t recognize all ages of women in their advertisements.
Thanks, Jennifer and Cathy for those comments. I feel the same way. I’m 57 and 6 feet tall. I can rely on Title 9 for some good active wear, but I wish you offered more long lengths. My height has always been an advantage in sports, but not in finding clothing for those activities. Your company surely respects lifelong athletic participation, so let your inventory and your models reflect that. Thanks!
I agree with Jennifer Gaag. I’m not plush-sized (great term!), but I’m 56 years old and don’t look like the models. Some more real-world outside-loving models sprinkled in would be awesome! 🙂
T9, time to represent all women, not just the young, skinny ones. You have beautiful “real models,” but I’d love to see you expand your definition of “real” to include a broader expanse of American women. I’d love to see gray hair and XL women gracing your pages. How else would I ever be able to tell whether I could fit that outfit or not?
And while I’m on it, please (oh please!), extend your sizes for us “plus” sized women! (I prefer the term “plush,” myself) I swear, we go outdoors and live athletic lives too! I have been a competitive sailor since the early 80’s, but am mostly forced to wear men’s shirts/jackets that are too long in the arms and torso, and it always looks a bit like I’ve borrowed my wardrobe from my brother.
Jennifer, thank you for comment. We are very proud of the women who grace our pages: real, strong women, getting dirty and doing the sports they love. It is a unique way to represent women that we don’t see many other clothing companies doing. But we agree that we could always do more. We will take your comments to heart and continue to grow how we represent women. Thank you for speaking up!
HI Jess, I appreciated reading the comments of the women above and your response. I understand that as a representative of a company you have to choose your words carefully and you did. I do wonder what is the Title Nine story behind the boring old story told inside the bigger industry? What are the fears, concerns and biases behind not just Title Nine’s decision to feature models that represent an age group within the category of “active/bad ass” women, it’s a fashion industry norm? Even a fantastic brand like Title Nine that is out there not conforming by speaking in a different voice about women, sports, and getting dirty doing them. Ultimately companies protect their brand because it has value and influence people’s buying decisions. How does showing models in different age groups impact the brand and sales? Maybe the impact may be an increase in the value. What I see in the marketplace is a fear of being connected with the myth of female irrelevance within certain age groups. It’s no secret that women are treated as irrelevant as they move into certain age groups. In my direct experience women grow stronger, even more vibrant and alive as they become true bad asses over time.
A brand who uses “Real Women bring their own protection” to sell rashguards can definitely take on the myth of the irrelevant woman.
I believe you when you say “we will take your comments to heart and continue to grow how we represent women.” Expanding the conversation to include
Great pics! Thanks for sharing with Sharon!
Great to see! Thanks Title Nine!