The modern Front de Seine in Paris’ 15th district provides a striking backdrop for the presentation of Lacoste’s autumn/winter 2021-22 collection designed by Louise Trotter.
Photographed by Sam Rock against its sweeping architectural landmarks – a clash of grids and curves, concrete, bricks, tiles, and glass – the season’s playful exchange of graphic sport codes and remixed classics appears in sharp relief.
With a swatch card of bright shades grounded in muted neutrals, the collection tricks the eye with blown-up and shrunken proportions, unexpected fabrications, and the emergence of comic Lacoste characters.
The signature house crocodile is reborn larger than life, as archive claw patches and bold croc heads create a new iconography alongside flaming tennis balls, a tennis net shadow check, and an L-shaped varsity logo.
The concept of the tracksuit and twinset is subverted in multiple ways for men and women, as trompe l’oeil shirting, cardigans and jogging pants are all cut in cotton piqué – the keystone material of the Lacoste polo shirt – to create subtly matching sports ensembles.
Tailoring reflects the sartorial heritage of founder René Lacoste, as the smooth enveloping lines of pea coats, varsity jackets, overcoats, and trenches are tweaked for today with knit collars, bonding for bounce, and light nylon quilting.
Evolving the upcycled design process of recent seasons, shell suits, puffer coats, and quilted liners are reconstructed from a patchwork of vintage and deadstock Lacoste fabrics, creating new geometries in classic sport shapes.
Check out the collection at lacoste.com.ph or ssilife.com.ph. Lacoste is located in leading malls nationwide.