Founded in 1933 by tennis legend René Lacoste and André Gillier, Lacoste
The Birth of an Iconic Logo
The now-famous Lacoste crocodile logo was inspired by René's nickname and was embroidered on the left chest of his revolutionary polo shirts. This small but significant detail marked the beginning of branded fashion
Innovations That Changed Fashion
Lacoste's innovations extended beyond material design:
- First to use piqué cotton for breathability and comfort
- Pioneered color in tennis wear (traditionally only white was worn)
- Introduced the concept of designer sportswear
During the 1950s, Lacoste expanded beyond tennis to golf and sailing, cementing its position as a luxury sportswear
Modern Lacoste Collections
Today, Lacoste offers diverse product lines while maintaining its signature crisp aesthetic:
- Classic L.12.12 polo shirts in 30+ colors
- Contemporary ready-to-wear collections with fashion-forward silhouettes
- Footwear blending sporty comfort with refined style
- Avant-garde leather goods and accessories
For detailed information on current Lacoste products and pricing, check out this comprehensive product spreadsheet
The Brand's Cultural Impact
Lacoste's cultural footprint extends far beyond fashion:
- Featured in films like Wall StreetThe Royal Tenenbaums
- A favorite among musicians and celebrities
- Has collaborated with contemporary artists and designers
- Developed entire design philosophies (Lacoste Live! for younger audiences)
- Sponsors major tennis, golf and sailing events worldwide
Sustainability and Future Directions
Recently, Lacoste has embraced sustainable fashion initiatives:
- Introduced the the Lacoste Les 50/50 project
- Released special collections in organic cotton for their iconic polos
- Crafted artistic collaborations spotlighting endangered crocodile species awareness
The brand continues to blend its sports heritage with contemporary fashion sensibilities, ensuring its logos remain relevant to new generations while honoring the vision of its founder - to create functional elegance for everyday champions.