Lacoste Drenches the Runway in Post-Game Cool with "The Locker Room" Collection
Sunday saw a host of stars returning to the scholastic grounds of Lycée Carnot, navigating fallen leaves to attend the highly anticipated Lacoste show. Within a gymnasium meticulously transformed to evoke the atmosphere of a market hall and a locker room, the brand unveiled its Spring-Summer 2026 collection, aptly titled "The Locker Room." This presentation marked the fourth collection under the creative direction of Pelagia Kolotouros, who, drawing on her extensive background with fashion giants like Calvin Klein, Yeezy, Adidas, and The North Face, infused this collection with a notably heightened sportswear aesthetic compared to her previous two.
The immersive set design transported guests directly into the collection's theme. The floor and lower half of the walls were meticulously lined with white tiles, punctuated by striking bands of faux grass and vivid Lacoste green tiles. Attendees found comfort on curved benches, thoughtfully draped with large white-and-green towels, as soft rays of sunlight filtered gently through the glass roof above. As the show commenced, ambient sounds filled the space, most notably the distinct hiss of showers, establishing the collection's narrative: the serene moments after intense exertion, when sweat-soaked gear is shed for fresh, clean attire. Models made their entrance from an upper level, emerging through semi-transparent plastic curtains, playfully fogged with condensation, reinforcing the post-shower vibe.
The captivated audience was then treated to a diverse range of silhouettes, skillfully oscillating between abbreviated and oversized forms. The color palette drew predominantly from vivid hues within the Lacoste archives, beginning with energetic orange and its tennis-court-inspired variations. The collection then gracefully transitioned through shades of blue and green, before settling into a sophisticated interplay of taupe, cream, and classic white. The wardrobe itself was equally varied, featuring long coats elegantly draped over loose-cut suits, which included both trousers and shorts. These were often layered over striking red leather tops with generously proportioned collars, while a distinctive poncho cloaked another look, revealing only its characteristically tied collar straps. Wet-look nylon tracksuits further underscored the collection's unwavering sporting spirit and utilitarian appeal.
Accessories played a pivotal role in reinforcing the locker room theme and enhancing the collection's overall comfort-centric approach. Bucket bags and towels, either casually knotted at the waist or slung over an arm, instantly evoked the atmosphere of gym showers. Stretched polos and a clever layering of certain looks, such as shorts worn beneath joggers, created a deliberate mismatch designed for ultimate ease. The brand also paid homage to its founder, René Lacoste, through a distinctive print on the back of select pieces. Additionally, some tops bore the significant date “1927,” commemorating the year the iconic crocodile logo was meticulously crafted by designer Robert George.
Pelagia Kolotouros placed a particularly strong emphasis on accessories within ‘The Locker Room’ collection. Wrists were adorned with chunky, coiled-rope bracelets, while footwear showcased a diverse range: sport-inspired lace-up flats featuring unique flaps, heeled shoes in various styles, both square- and round-toed, and intriguing mounded forms crafted from a suede-like material. The iconic Lenglen bag made a notable return, appearing in models' hands, sometimes in a striking half-white, half-black iteration, proudly stamped with the message “For tennis use only.” Other, deeper bags were carried snugly under the arm, while slim racquet cases were presented elegantly by their handles, completing the comprehensive athletic-chic aesthetic.
The show concluded with a compelling sonic experience: a noisy chorus of breath, rhythmic percussion, and the unmistakable squeaks of training shoes. Following this impactful finale, Pelagia Kolotouros, the artistic director, was met with thunderous applause from an esteemed audience. Breaking into a sprint herself, she dashed across the room, embodying the collection's dynamic energy, before joining the models for the final bow. Among the array of notable guests were tennis legend Venus Williams, actors Pierre Niney, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Adrien Brody, Taylor Zakhar Perez, iconic fashion figure Anna Wintour, and South Korean singer Kai.
