Lacoste has appointed Marc Martin as the new Wholesale Director for the Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavian regions

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Lacoste has appointed Marc Martin as the new Wholesale Director for the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Scandinavian regions, effective January 1, 2025. Christoph Weller, Lacoste’s DACH CEO, announced this on LinkedIn, highlighting Martin’s extensive experience in the shoe and fashion industry, which includes roles at Ecco, Clarks, Timberland, and Gabor Footwear (Camel Active). In his new position, Martin is expected to strengthen Lacoste’s premium positioning and drive growth in strategic categories within these key markets. Weller, who also has a background in the shoe industry with experience at New Balance, Adidas, Converse, and Geox, expressed confidence in Martin’s innovative vision and proven track record.

More details can be found here: https://shoez.biz/en/neuer-wholesale-chef-fuer-lacoste/

Lacoste Embraces Artisanal Craftsmanship with Maison Chateau Rouge and Maison Lemarié Collaborations

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In a world where heritage and high fashion constantly collide, Lacoste is charting new territory through two striking collaborations: one with Maison Chateau Rouge and another with Maison Lemarié. These partnerships bring together Lacoste’s sporty chic with rich artisanal traditions, creating collections that are as much about cultural storytelling as they are about style. Let’s dive into the intricacies of these collaborations and explore what makes them a benchmark for modern fashion.

Maison Chateau Rouge x Lacoste: Where Heritage Meets Streetwear

Lacoste’s partnership with Paris-based Maison Chateau Rouge is a celebration of cultural diversity and craftsmanship, seamlessly blending iconic French elegance with African-inspired streetwear aesthetics. Maison Chateau Rouge, founded by Youssouf Fofana, has always been an homage to the multicultural vibes of Paris’s Chateau Rouge neighborhood, a district known for its lively mix of African heritage and French urban culture.

This collaboration features Lacoste’s signature crocodile logo reinvented with vibrant patterns and colors that reflect Fofana’s roots and his commitment to community-driven narratives. Pieces in the collection combine relaxed tailoring with dynamic graphics, introducing a playful yet sophisticated element into Lacoste’s repertoire. A particular highlight is the reinterpretation of the classic Lacoste polo shirt, featuring patchwork and embroidery that symbolize the fusion of tradition and modernity—a nod to the shared cultural stories that define the globalized world of today.

More than just a clothing line, this collaboration stands as a testament to the power of fashion as a storytelling medium. It’s about celebrating the heritage of diverse communities and creating apparel that resonates far beyond aesthetics. It speaks to young people who see their own heritage reflected in high fashion and gives visibility to cultural stories often left out of mainstream narratives.

Maison Lemarié x Lacoste: A Showcase of Artisanal Mastery

While Maison Chateau Rouge brings cultural narratives to life, Lacoste’s collaboration with Maison Lemarié focuses on craftsmanship at its most refined level. Maison Lemarié is a legendary Parisian atelier known for its expertise in the art of feather and floral design, as well as intricate embellishments that elevate haute couture to an art form.

This partnership offers a masterclass in how to blend Lacoste’s sporty DNA with Maison Lemarié’s luxurious embellishments. Feathered trims, delicate floral appliqués, and intricate beading breathe new life into classic Lacoste silhouettes, creating a collection that feels both elevated and unexpected. Lemarié’s artisanal touch turns Lacoste staples like sweatshirts and polo dresses into statement pieces, adding a touch of opulence while maintaining the brand’s inherent casual elegance.

What’s most striking about this collaboration is how it reframes Lacoste’s identity. No longer confined to sporty minimalism, the brand’s signature crocodile finds itself surrounded by lush florals and delicate details, proving that high fashion and street-inspired sportswear can coexist in harmony. The collection showcases not only the capabilities of these renowned artisans but also the endless possibilities that arise when two seemingly contrasting styles converge.

See all the pieces available at https://www.lacoste.com/us/lacoste/discover/now-trending/embroidery-collection/

The Bigger Picture: Lacoste’s Vision for Collaborative Fashion

These collaborations speak to Lacoste’s growing commitment to integrating diverse forms of artistry into its fashion narrative. By aligning with Maison Chateau Rouge, Lacoste embraces cultural storytelling that speaks to today’s diverse youth. With Maison Lemarié, the brand underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional craftsmanship—even in a world increasingly driven by fast fashion.

Both collaborations highlight Lacoste’s ability to remain adaptable and innovative without losing sight of its classic appeal. They remind us that fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about the stories we tell, the traditions we honor, and the future we envision. By bringing Maison Chateau Rouge and Maison Lemarié into its fold, Lacoste is pushing the boundaries of its heritage while embracing the wider world of artisanal and cultural expression.

This creative vision—where community, craftsmanship, and couture coexist—marks Lacoste as a brand willing to experiment, evolve, and elevate its legacy in the fashion landscape. It’s not just about the crocodile on your chest anymore; it’s about the stories stitched into every seam and the communities that inspire each creation.

Lacoste’s New London Flagship Faces the Crocodile Challenge

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Lacoste, the iconic French fashion brand synonymous with its distinctive crocodile logo, has recently inaugurated its new flagship store in London’s prestigious Regent Street. Yet, despite the brand’s bold approach to expanding its physical presence, the store has encountered some unexpected turbulence. The move comes at a time when retail is transforming under immense pressure from online shopping habits, inflationary concerns, and evolving consumer preferences.

The new flagship store, designed with a cutting-edge experiential concept, aims to merge digital and physical shopping experiences, a strategy many brands are betting on to draw shoppers back to brick-and-mortar stores. Interactive screens, personalized fitting room technology, and a renewed emphasis on Lacoste’s core products and iconic collaborations with partners such as Netflix and Minecraft all promise an innovative shopping experience. However, the latest reports indicate a challenging start for this venture.

Early Reviews and Economic Realities

According to a recent report by Yahoo Finance, early reviews of Lacoste’s flagship are mixed, and foot traffic has been lower than expected. It appears that the store may be struggling to convince shoppers to immerse themselves in the brand’s new “phygital” experience. The timing of the launch may be partly to blame, as the UK currently grapples with cost-of-living pressures, driven by rising inflation that has tightened consumer spending power across multiple sectors. As shoppers become more selective about discretionary spending, premium fashion retailers like Lacoste are inevitably feeling the impact.

Another notable factor has been the challenge of differentiating themselves on one of the world’s most famous shopping streets. With Regent Street home to numerous luxury and premium brand flagships, standing out is both a necessity and a tall order. Lacoste’s decision to introduce a new format—which invites customers to interact with the brand’s rich heritage and play with digital experiences—is ambitious, but success depends largely on customers opting to leave their homes and engage with what is, fundamentally, a luxury product during a period of financial strain.

Are Physical Stores Still the Future for Premium Brands?

The broader question raised by Lacoste’s experience is whether such significant investments in flagship stores are the right call for premium brands in 2024. Many retail brands have turned to immersive experiences, viewing the flagship store as a marketing tool as much as a sales location. Flagships like Lacoste’s are less about the immediate conversion and more about creating memorable interactions with the brand that can influence future purchases—whether in-store or online.

However, to achieve this, brands must be meticulous about understanding what experiences actually entice modern shoppers. Beyond flashy digital features, customers are increasingly interested in authenticity, sustainability, and a feeling of connection. While Lacoste has made strides through its partnerships with popular culture entities and its push towards sustainable practices, translating these qualities into a meaningful in-store experience is a nuanced challenge.

A Tough Start, but Not Game Over

Despite the rocky start, it’s far from game over for Lacoste’s London flagship. The journey to revitalizing retail is inherently experimental, especially in an era that demands seamless omnichannel strategies. Lacoste’s willingness to innovate and put substantial backing behind physical retail demonstrates a commitment to ensuring its relevance, even as market forces shift.

Ultimately, Lacoste’s new flagship may need time to find its footing. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it will be brands that understand and respond to their customers’ complex and shifting desires that stand to benefit the most. Lacoste has taken a bold step with this new concept store—the challenge will be whether they can fine-tune the experience enough to captivate London’s shoppers amid a changing world of retail.

Lacoste Loses Trademark Dispute with Crocodile in the Philippines

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After two decades of legal battles, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled in favor of Singapore-based Crocodile International, rejecting Lacoste’s claim that the Crocodile logo was too similar to its iconic right-facing crocodile emblem. Lacoste, a French fashion brand, had argued since 2004 that the similarities between the two logos, particularly the crocodile figure, would confuse consumers and harm its brand reputation. However, the court concluded that the logos were visually distinct enough to coexist without confusion, ending a prolonged dispute that highlighted trademark challenges in international markets.

The court’s decision emphasized key differences between the logos, including the fact that Crocodile International’s design features a left-facing crocodile and the word “Crocodile” in a stylized font, while Lacoste’s logo is simply a right-facing crocodile with no accompanying text. The ruling also cited the peaceful coexistence of both brands in several other countries, such as Japan, China, and South Korea, which further undermined Lacoste’s claims of potential confusion or trademark dilution. Additionally, the court noted the absence of any evidence showing that Crocodile had acted in bad faith or aimed to mislead consumers.

The Supreme Court’s decision marked the final chapter of a dispute that had passed through several lower courts, including the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and the Court of Appeals. Both institutions had previously ruled in favor of Crocodile International, finding that the differences in design and branding strategies were sufficient to prevent consumer confusion. The ruling also underscored the court’s commitment to maintaining fair competition, stating that absent any fraud or misrepresentation, businesses like Crocodile should be allowed to enter the Philippine market freely.

As a result, Crocodile International can continue to use and register its logo in the Philippines, bringing an end to one of the fashion industry’s most notable trademark disputes. Both brands’ crocodiles will now coexist in the country, symbolizing the fine line between brand protection and market competition in global fashion.

Lacoste and CLOT Unite for a Cultural Fusion in the Fall/Winter 2024 Collection

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Lacoste and CLOT have once again joined forces to create a captivating collection for the Fall/Winter 2024 season, blending Eastern and Western influences into a harmonious fashion statement. This collaboration marks another significant step in Lacoste’s ongoing evolution under the creative leadership of Pelagia Kolotouros, as the brand continues to push the boundaries of luxury sportswear by embracing cultural diversity and modern streetwear aesthetics.

A Cross-Cultural Collaboration

The LACOSTE X CLOT Fall/Winter 2024 series is a dynamic fusion of Lacoste’s classic tennis and golf heritage with the rich traditions of Chinese martial arts. The collection, which includes fifteen carefully curated pieces, reimagines these distinct cultural elements into a versatile wardrobe for both men and women. Each design reflects the elegant refinement of Lacoste’s iconic style, while simultaneously celebrating the street sports ethos that CLOT has championed since its inception.

CLOT, established in 2003 by Edison Chen and Kevin Poon, has long been known for its ability to bridge Eastern and Western cultures through fashion. This latest collaboration with Lacoste is a testament to their shared vision of creating apparel that resonates globally while staying true to their cultural roots. The collection’s designs deconstruct traditional boundaries of comfort and style, offering pieces that are as suitable for the streets as they are for the court.

The Collection: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

The LACOSTE X CLOT collection features a wide array of apparel, including autumn and winter coats, sweatshirts, Polo shirts, T-shirts, pants, socks, scarves, and hats. Each piece is adorned with co-branded logos and Chinese pattern prints, symbolizing the aesthetic synergy between Lacoste and CLOT. A standout piece in the collection is a Chinese-style jacket made from Lacoste’s signature Polo material. The jacket’s design, inspired by the elegance of Chinese porcelain, incorporates hues of white, crocodile green, and navy blue, blending tradition with contemporary fashion.

The collection not only highlights the aesthetic harmony between the two brands but also serves as a cultural dialogue that challenges the conventional boundaries of fashion. The campaign’s visual narrative, shot in the heart of Paris, captures this cross-cultural exchange by featuring models traversing the city’s iconic Chinese-inspired streets, further emphasizing the blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Release Details

The CLOT x LACOSTE collection will first be available to Team Lacoste members via the Lacoste webstore on September 6, followed by a general release through the webstore and at the brick-and-mortar Lacoste Harajuku store on September 10.

This collection is poised to be a must-have for fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the fusion of heritage and modernity. Whether you’re drawn to Lacoste’s timeless sportswear or CLOT’s cutting-edge streetwear, this collaboration offers something unique for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of this cross-cultural masterpiece when it hits the shelves this September.

More details can be found here:

https://hypebeast.com/2024/9/clot-lacoste-collab-collection-release-info

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