René Lacoste: As a Fashion Icon


René Lacoste was known for wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt with a collar and a button placket, which was a departure from the traditional, long-sleeved shirts worn by tennis players at the time. This shirt, which he called the "petit piqué," later became known as the "Lacoste shirt" and became a popular fashion item. After retiring from tennis, Lacoste founded the Lacoste clothing company in 1933, which produced and sold the "Lacoste shirt" and other clothing and accessories, such as sweaters and polos.

The company's logo, a green crocodile, was based on Lacoste's nickname, "The Crocodile," which he earned because of his tenacity on the tennis court. Lacoste's influence on fashion continues to this day; the brand remains one of the most recognised and respected clothing companies in the world, and the Lacoste polo shirt is a timeless piece of clothing that continues to be popular among people of all ages.

Biography and Personal Style

René Lacoste was born on July 2, 1904, in Paris, France. He began playing tennis at a young age and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the country. He won his first major tournament, the French Open, in 1925, and went on to win a total of seven Grand Slam singles titles, including the French Open three times and the US Open once. He was also part of the French Davis Cup team, which won the tournament in 1927, 1929, and 1930.

In terms of personal style, Lacoste was known for his simple, clean, and understated fashion sense. He was often seen wearing his signature "Lacoste shirt," a white, short-sleeved shirt with a collar and a button placket, which became a symbol of the sporty and casual look that he popularized. He was also known for his love of comfortable and practical clothing, and he often wore knitted sweaters and polo shirts. Off the court, Lacoste was a man of elegance; he was known for his impeccable grooming, good manners, and sense of humor. He was also a pioneer of the "sport-chic" style, a trend that continues to be popular today.

After his playing career, Lacoste became a successful businessman and founded the Lacoste clothing company in 1933, which produced and sold the "Lacoste shirt" and other clothing and accessories. The company's logo, a green crocodile, was based on Lacoste's nickname, "The Crocodile," which he earned because of his tenacity on the tennis court. René Lacoste passed away on October 12, 1996, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, at the age of 92. His legacy in the world of sport and fashion continues to be celebrated and remembered.

Clothing and Style

René Lacoste's clothing and style had a significant impact on fashion. He was known for his simple, clean, and understated style, which was a departure from the flashy and ornate clothing that was popular at the time. His "Lacoste shirt" was a key piece of his style, and it became a symbol of the sporty and casual look that he popularized. The Lacoste shirt was worn by many famous people, including celebrities, politicians, and athletes.

The style that Lacoste popularized, which emphasised comfort and practicality, was a precursor to the more relaxed and informal fashion that became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. His influence can also be seen in the popularity of sportswear and athleisure, which have become mainstream fashion trends in recent years. In conclusion, René Lacoste excels not only in sport but also in fashion and style; his influence on fashion continues to be felt today, and his clothing line remains one of the most respected and recognisable in the world.

His Signature Looks

René Lacoste's signature look was defined by his simple, clean, and understated style. He was known for his iconic white, short-sleeved shirt with a collar and a button placket, which he called the "petit piqué." This shirt, which later became known as the "Lacoste," was a key piece of his signature look. He wore it on and off the court, and it became a symbol of the sporty and casual style that he popularized. The shirt was made from a lightweight cotton fabric that kept him cool on the tennis court, and it was comfortable and easy to move in.

He also often wore knitted sweaters, usually in solid colours like navy, black, or grey, that were designed to keep him warm on the court but were also versatile and stylish. He also wore polo shirts, which were comfortable, easy to move in, and a perfect fit for the sporty and casual style he popularized. In terms of accessories, René Lacoste was known for his simple, timeless watches and sunglasses, which were usually in the aviator or round style. He also wore a cap, or fedora, which protected him from the sun and completed his signature look. René Lacoste's signature look was defined by his simple, clean, and understated style, and he always looked impeccable and polished. He was a true fashion icon that influenced many people around the world to adopt his style.

Legacy

His fashion sense and style had a significant impact on fashion; he was a pioneer of the "sport-chic" style, a trend that continues to be popular today. He also helped to popularise the use of knitwear, polo shirts, and sportswear in everyday life. His influence can be seen in the popularity of sportswear and athleisure, which have become mainstream fashion trends in recent years. After his playing career, he founded the Lacoste clothing company, which continues to produce and sell accessories that reflect his timeless style.

The company, which was founded in 1933, has become one of the most respected and recognisable clothing brands in the world, and the "Lacoste shirt" remains a popular fashion item to this day. In addition to his fashion legacy, René Lacoste's legacy in the world of sport is also significant. He was one of the greatest tennis players of his time, and his tenacity and competitiveness on the court earned him the nickname "The Crocodile." He was also a member of the French Davis Cup team, which won the tournament in 1927, 1929, and 1930. He was also a member of the famous "Four Musketeers" of French tennis, along with Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon, and Henri Cochet, who dominated the sport in the 1920s and 1930s.

René Lacoste's legacy is multifaceted and enduring. He was a successful tennis player, a fashion icon, and a successful businessman, and his influence in both sport and fashion continues to be felt today. His clothing line, Lacoste, remains one of the most respected and recognisable in the world, and his style has been an inspiration for many.

Conclusion

In conclusion, René Lacoste was a French tennis player who is considered one of the greatest players in the sport in the 1920s and 1930s. He won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including the French Open three times and the US Open once. He was also known for being one of the "Four Musketeers" of French tennis. He also was an iconic fashion figure, known for his simple, clean, and understated style and his signature "Lacoste shirt," which became a symbol of the sporty and casual look that he popularized. After retiring from tennis, he founded the Lacoste clothing company, which continues to produce and sell clothing and accessories that reflect his timeless style. René Lacoste's legacy in the world of sport and fashion continues to be celebrated and remembered.

Updated on: 10-Feb-2023

221 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements