
Set in the heart of the Lycée Carnot, within the striking and historic Hall Eiffel, Lacoste’s Spring/Summer 2026 show unfolded as a thoughtful fusion of vintage sportswear and modern sensibilities. The venue, transformed into a stylised locker room, offered a compelling backdrop for the collection. Designed in 1895 by Hector Degeorge, the hall’s iconic glass and iron architecture framed the runway as a liminal, almost theatrical space, where the emotional contrasts of triumphant victory and quiet defeat seemed to hang in the air. Elements such as tiled surfaces evoking backstage tennis zones, curved glass panels, and flowing drapes reminiscent of shower curtains all contributed to the immersive, evocative atmosphere. Guests were seated on plush benches draped with folded Lacoste-branded towels, further grounding the experience in the brand’s athletic heritage.
Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros played with dualities this season. Themes of transparency versus opacity, comfort against structure, and athletic utility blended with a relaxed, off-duty elegance ran throughout the collection. The results were intentionally imperfect ensembles that explored the emotional and stylistic common ground shared by athletes and their audiences. Unbuttoned tennis polos, elongated tracksuits, and oversized trench coats – styled to resemble bathrobes – were embroidered with the slogan “Tennis for Everyone,” a message that echoed inclusivity and ease. The collection also explored texture and layering, featuring sheer, translucent tops paired with glossy, mirror-like leather, lightweight nylons, and breathable cottons, creating an engaging visual rhythm.
Nostalgia for vintage sportswear was strongly felt through both the silhouettes and colour palette. Supersized polos in burnt orange were loosely styled over terry cloth skirts inspired by tennis towels, while taupe sweater vests adorned with vibrant stripes were matched with colour-blocked shorts and coordinating accessories. Glossy green nylon tracksuits, zipped up to the collar, were paired with tonal sneakers for a monochromatic effect. Throughout the collection, shades of olive green, navy blue, and vibrant red added depth and variation to the sporty aesthetic.
As the show progressed to its final looks, lighter and more ethereal pieces emerged. Sheer organza garments – some delicately embroidered with floral motifs – brought a softer touch to the runway. Lacoste’s iconic crocodile emblem appeared reimagined, taking inspiration from the texture and hues of grass courts, and was embroidered onto polos, cable knit sweaters, shorts, and even neck towels. Another nod to house heritage came with the return of the Lenglen bag. Named after tennis legend Suzanne Lenglen, the bag – with its pleated tennis-skirt silhouette and racket-grip-inspired handles – reinforced Kolotouros’s vision: one that honours the legacy of Lacoste while pushing its codes firmly into the contemporary realm.
photography. Courtesy of Lacoste
words. Amber Louise


































































