• Website: lacoste.com
• Founded: 1933, France.
• Founders: René Lacoste and André Gillier
• Owned By: MF Brands Group
• Known For: L.12.12 Polo, Crocodile Logo, Carnaby, Powercourt, L003
• Category Focus: Polo shirts, ready-to-wear, footwear, leather goods, fragrances, eyewear, accessories
Lacoste is one of the world's most iconic French fashion houses, renowned for its timeless polo shirts, tennis heritage, and effortless sporty elegance. Founded in 1933 by tennis legend René Lacoste and André Gillier, the brand revolutionized sportswear with the invention of the modern polo shirt, creating a garment that remains a wardrobe essential nearly a century later.
Known for combining athletic performance, French sophistication, and everyday versatility, Lacoste has expanded far beyond tennis apparel into ready-to-wear, footwear, leather goods, fragrances, eyewear, and accessories. The iconic green crocodile logo, inspired by René Lacoste's nickname "The Crocodile," is one of fashion's most recognizable emblems.
Today, Lacoste continues to evolve under Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros, blending its sporting DNA with contemporary fashion while remaining deeply connected to tennis, golf, and French culture.
L.12.12 Polo Shirt
Original Crocodile Polo
Carnaby Sneakers
Powercourt Sneakers
L003 Sneakers
Lacoste Pleated Tennis Skirt
Classic Tennis Track Jacket
Lacoste Leather Tote
Lacoste's story began with René Lacoste, one of France's greatest tennis champions. Nicknamed "The Crocodile" for his determination on court, he partnered with knitwear manufacturer André Gillier to launch a new type of tennis shirt that prioritized comfort, movement, and performance.
The resulting L.12.12 Polo fundamentally changed sportswear and eventually became an everyday fashion icon. Over the decades, Lacoste expanded into a complete lifestyle brand while maintaining its close ties to professional tennis, golf, sailing, and French elegance. Today, the brand is part of the MF Brands Group, with products sold in more than 90 countries.
Key milestones:
• 1933: René Lacoste and André Gillier establish Lacoste.
• 1933: Launch of the revolutionary L.12.12 Polo Shirt.
• 1951: International expansion begins outside France.
• 1963: Bernard Lacoste succeeds René Lacoste.
• 2001: Christophe Lemaire becomes Creative Director, introducing a stronger fashion focus.
• 2018: Louise Trotter is appointed Creative Director, bringing runway credibility.
• 2023: Pelagia Kolotouros becomes Creative Director.
• 2026: Lacoste unveils a refreshed visual identity, launches a new global campaign, opens a flagship store in Hong Kong, and celebrates new collaborations including Alpine and Novak Djokovic's GOAT capsule collection.
Lacoste successfully transformed a functional tennis uniform into one of the world's most recognizable symbols of premium casual fashion.
“Lacoste perfected sporty elegance. Its strength lies in transforming functional tennis apparel into timeless French lifestyle icons that remain relevant across generations.”
Lacoste matters because it transformed sportswear into timeless everyday fashion.
Its influence can be seen across:
• The evolution of the modern polo shirt
• Tennis-inspired luxury fashion
• French casual elegance
• Premium lifestyle sportswear
By combining athletic heritage, refined design, and enduring functionality, Lacoste continues to bridge the worlds of sport and fashion for new generations.
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