Durable fabric, comfortable and elegant collar, short sleeves and iconic crocodile. What is the most famous t-shirt in the world? Polo Lacoste. The product features a combination of casual style and French elegance. The product was created out of passion for sport, style and the presumption of universal rules that apply to sport, fashion, and business.
René Lacoste is the legenda of tennis. French sportsmen who is famous for winning Grand Slam in 1927 and original style based on intuitive elegance and strong attachment to fair play. The sportsmen, also called Alligator Lacoste, dominated the world of tennis in 1920s. Where does the alias come from? In short, from René’s weakness for French chic. In 1923 the tennis player saw a suitcase made from alligator’s leather and flipped over. His coach told him that he would buy him the suitcase if Lacoste won Davis cup. Lacoste won the game, received the suitcase and got a new pseudonym. A few years later, Robert George created the famous crocodile which became the symbol of the brand whose beginning dates back to 1933, that was when René showed up on the tennis court wearing white shirt without sleeves – that was the first polo shirt and the beginning of one of the most famous brands in the world. Lacoste created the brand together with his wife Simone who talented and world famous golf player, therefore the brand is influenced by tennis and golf.
Lacoste design reflects elegant style of both disciplines. At first, René and Simone focused on the production of white polo t-shirts made from petit piqué – durable and elastic fabric that is weaved in Troyes, France. In the 50s they introduced other colors. Now, Lacoste collection is incredibly rich and goes beyond the world of sport and fashion. Apart from sportswear, the brand also offers perfumes, leather goods, sunglasses and footwear. Nevertheless, the polo t-shirt with a characteristic crocodile is the most famous product by Lacoste – both in the world of fashion and sport. René’s favourite piece – t-shirt L.12.12 – is the most popular polo among the fans of the brand. What’s more, apart from modern technology, introducing technical solutions and sport patents, the methods of production remain unchanged for years. The material looks the same, the symbol of crocodile is made of 1600 seams and all elements are boned by hand. French elegance combined with sport nonchalance will always remain the most characteristic features of Lacoste.
Lacoste isn’t only about fashion and sport, it’s also fair play and the spirit of unity and loyalty straight from the tales about legendary musketeers. In 2006 the brand set up Lacoste Foundation that helps young people in difficult situation giving support and facilitating social integration through the practice of tennis and golf. Lacoste also cares about environment. In 2018 the brand decided to use its global popularity and set up Save our Species project. On this occasion, the brand prepared a special line of products on which the famous crocodile was replaced by ten endangered species. We are proud that a brand with such a wonderful history, valuable hereditary and values that we share, became part of S’portofino.
