Lacoste, A Game of Style

PHOTOGRAPHY Dookie Ducay

CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING Yanna Lopez

Heritage. A word so deeply rooted in tradition and legacy that it’s not something you can easily use to describe a brand. But not with Lacoste. The French label has such a storied history that dates back to 1933 when renowned tennis player and founder Rene Lacoste introduced the “petit piqué” cotton shirt with the now iconic crocodile logo. Since then, the brand has made the polo silhouette world-famous and a staple in every-one’s wardrobe.

But Lacoste isn’t simply defined by its classic polo. The brand embodies athleticism and understated French elegance in all forms—from clothing to leather goods. In 2024, under the helm of Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros, the house has redefined “tennis core” and sportif style through 21st century modernity.

Day-to-day classics are given an updated spin. Silhouettes are more relaxed, boxier, and even oversized, tempting to blur the lines between gender-based dressing but also highlighting the understated femininity of each piece. Think roomy track pants and trousers, striped button-downs with an undeniable French undertone, and soft structured silhouettes in silky, sensual fabrics.

Pelagia likes to break form without losing functionality. The beauty of her designs is that she never loses sight of what the archives have to offer, while keeping up with the pulse of current trends that are highly influenced by social media.

As seen on Kyline Alcantara, Angelique Manto, and Chelsea Manalo, Lacoste’s latest Autumn/Winter collection is a testament to Kolotouros’s vision of timeless elegance with a distinctly modern twist. Kyline, for example, wears Autumn’s staple wine maroon hue as jacket over a striped button down paired with a pleated skirt and classic white court shoes. “I like it because it’s a comfortable look that you can wear everyday, but also it’s chic and quite elegant,” the actress quips. She also recalls buying herself an orange Lacoste handbag that she uses for the beach. “It’s a statement piece, and I get a lot of compliments whenever I wear it!” Kyline adds, emphasizing that Lacoste offers standout styles that could elevate even the simplest of ensembles.

Meanwhile, model-turned-Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo takes on a more tennis-inspired look with a windbreaker type dress, a flirty pleated skirt, and a sleeveless collared top underneath. The look is completed with cream court shoes to keep the look monotone. For Chelsea, Lacoste has a very sentimental meaning that emphasizes the brand’s heritage roots and deep connection with Filipinos. “Growing up, my mom owned a Lacoste polo shirt, and when I became an adult she gave it to me,” Chelsea shares and points out that the quality of the piece never faltered. When she finally saved enough money to return the gesture, the beauty queen then gifted her mom with a new polo shirt. “I felt like it was only fitting that I give her another Lacoste shirt as a form of gratitude and love.” It commemorates a full circle moment between mother and daughter that makes for a heartwarming fashion story.