Lacoste x Lemarié – When Sport Meets Craftsmanship

Contemporary Fashion as a Canvas for Creative Fusion

Contemporary fashion is increasingly becoming a stage for collaborations that push the boundaries of creativity. Among the most notable is the alliance between Lacoste—an emblem of sporty elegance—and Maison Lemarié, a renowned artisan of haute couture. This fusion embodies a harmonious balance between athletic refinement and artisanal excellence.

Lacoste and Lemarié: Two Distinct Legacies

Founded in 1933 by legendary tennis player René Lacoste, the Lacoste brand has become synonymous with sporty sophistication. Its iconic polo, adorned with the famous crocodile, reflects an aesthetic that blends comfort with elegance—mirroring values of innovation and performance.

Maison Lemarié, established in 1880, is a cornerstone of French craftsmanship. Specializing in featherwork and the creation of handmade flowers for haute couture houses, Lemarié is now part of le 19M, the Parisian hub dedicated to the métiers d’art. The house continues to preserve age-old techniques while embracing new creative horizons.

Lacoste x Lemarié Collaborations: A Fusion of Savoir-Faire

Spring-Summer 2021 Collection

The first collaboration between Lacoste and Lemarié, launched for the Spring-Summer 2021 season, marked a bold introduction of couture craftsmanship into the world of sportswear. The collection debuted standout pieces like a cream sweatshirt embellished with crocodile motifs, crafted using a unique collage technique from vintage jacquard labels.

Lacoste’s classic polo was transformed into a wearable artwork, featuring geometric appliqués and innovative textures that echoed Lemarié’s artisanal precision. Other highlights included a structured piqué zip-up jacket and an asymmetrical skirt adorned with intricate embroidery. Released in limited edition, these creations redefined the codes of sporty chic with a distinct haute couture flair.

90th Anniversary Collection – November 2023

The second collaboration, unveiled in November 2023 to celebrate Lacoste’s 90th anniversary, was showcased at the Lacoste Arena flagship in Paris. This capsule featured eight exceptional pieces, reinterpreting Lacoste’s iconic staples with a couture sensibility.

Among the highlights: a reimagined piqué polo embroidered with multicolored crocodiles, and a sweatshirt adorned with shimmering sequins forming a subtle geometric pattern. A delicately embroidered bomber jacket and track pants enhanced with textured detailing from the Lemarié ateliers brought further depth to the collection.

Accessories were equally elevated—caps and bags embellished with feathers and artisanal finishes showcased Lemarié’s signature attention to detail. Blending sporty elegance with handcrafted luxury, these pieces were first exhibited in Paris before traveling as part of a series of international showcases, affirming the global resonance and creative impact of this collaboration.

Embroidery Collection – November 2024

The third and most ambitious collaboration to date, Lacoste Collection Broderie, launched in November 2024, showcased the full breadth of Lemarié’s poetic craftsmanship. The capsule included twelve ready-to-wear pieces and three accessories, all celebrating the art of floral embroidery with elegance and precision.

Standout designs featured a reinterpreted polo shirt, where the iconic Lacoste crocodile was delicately embroidered with intricate floral motifs, and an oversized puffer jacket embellished with tone-on-tone embroidery. A pleated skirt, merging modern structure with artisanal finesse, and shirts with sculpted, relief-detailed sleeves stood out for their technical and aesthetic mastery.

Accessories completed the vision: a delicately embroidered cap and a textured canvas bucket bag reflected the same attention to craft. Presented in Lacoste’s signature palette of green, white, and black, the collection was praised for its ability to unite the precision of couture artisanship with a bold, contemporary silhouette—marking a new milestone in the dialogue between sport and craftsmanship.

Between Tradition and Modernity: A Shared Vision

These collaborations underscore the importance of preserving ancestral know-how in a world increasingly shaped by mass production. By integrating artisanal techniques into contemporary silhouettes, Lacoste and Lemarié show that innovation can be deeply rooted in tradition.

The resulting aesthetic is both modern and respectful of each house’s heritage—redefining the boundaries of luxury and sportswear while offering a fresh take on relaxed elegance.

Impact on the Fashion Industry

These projects are part of a growing movement where luxury brands collaborate with artisans to craft unique collections. They highlight the importance of storytelling and authenticity—qualities that are becoming essential to today’s fashion consumers.

The enthusiastic response from both the public and critics reflects the positive cultural and creative impact of such initiatives. They may well inspire future collaborations, helping to renew appreciation for craftsmanship in the landscape of contemporary fashion.

Conclusion

The Lacoste x Lemarié collaborations represent an innovative approach to fashion—where sport and craftsmanship come together to create exceptional pieces. They remind us of the value in honoring traditional techniques while embracing modernity, offering a richer, more nuanced vision of elegance and style.

Credits : Lacoste