Lacoste

René Lacoste, a legendary tennis champion in the 1920s, embodied elegance in everything he did. As a visionary free thinker, he defied given rules to innovate, invent and reinvent throughout his life. One example is the creation of the very first short-sleeved polo shirt in breathable fabric that he designed to increase freedom of movement during play. This piece led to the founding of a brand capable of liberating fashion codes with elegance as its founding value. The values that inspired René in his life are those that focus on others, fair play and generosity. This is the story of a daring player whose tenacity saw him nicknamed “the crocodile.” This symbol then became his logo – the very first to be displayed on clothing – and went on to gain worldwide recognition. This is the story of friendship and teamwork: a spirit of cooperation that continues today in the brand’s collaborations with leading artists and designers. Last but not least, this is the story of the women in his life: his wife Simone Thion de la Chaume and Suzanne Lenglen, his friend, winning women who were just as determined, free thinking and elegant as him.

Elevating elegance to a value that transcends differences

Elegance sets us apart, and also unites us. Elegance is far more than style; it is an attitude. It is the internal standards that guide each of our personal choices. As it drives us to give our best, it allows us to stand out. But without opposing each other, as elegance has the magnificent ability to bring us together. Without distinguishing between status, gender or culture, elegance unites us beyond our differences.

Elegance finds such a strong resonance within the Lacoste values because we know it can help to create a more inclusive, tolerant, and connected society. Elegance has this power. Our actions are all inspired by this conviction. Assisting teams to foster the fulfilment of our employees in truly meaningful work. Charitable commitments for equal opportunities by sharing our values and expertise. A comprehensive CSR strategy alongside our partners for creating a new model for sustainable fashion, minimizing its environmental impact and working for collective prosperity.

At Lacoste, elegance is also a sustainable way of life, designed to be handed down from generation to generation. It's an attention to detail, to people, and to our environment.

Our Durable Elegance approach formally expresses our commitment to be a responsible player in the fashion industry.
Our mission is to elevate our products to environmental excellence, reaching 90% of eco-responsible materials by 2026 and reducing by 40% the environmental impact per garment we sell by 2030. We also aim at doubling the lifespan of our global polo range by 2025.

Durable elegance is also about people. Our collective of volunteer employees, “the Committed Crocodiles”, are moving – together – the lines in society by mentoring young people coming from challenging environments, or people with special needs outside of Lacoste. Together with the Lacoste Foundation, we will support more than 10000 people by 2025 through the extraordinary involvement of 1000 committed crocodiles.