SPORTY ELEGANCE FOR FRENCH LIFESTYLE BRAND
Text, Images J. Ecochard and Courtesy of Lacoste
The Lacoste runway extravaganza is a favorite-so we happily said “oui” to the preview for their extensive line-up of shoes and carry-alls. Viewed in mid-town, the collection’s hip preppy sensibilities translated well-from casual to work shoes and bags. Some standouts;
SHOES:
“Let It Snow”-Aprés-ski chic waterproof styles… as posh as Lacoste’s fashion.
- quilted, puffed workhouses “Bundle Patent” in pimento, lilac, cobalt blue… “Bundle Shine” in snow white, and midnight black
- Sandy beige, suede Ugg-like “Haikue” mid-calf boots.
- Chunky heel (white rubber) urban chic “Catarina” in dark leather base and trim sandwiched between contrasting ribbed wool.
“Gloss”-Patent leather still HUGE!
- Ballet lace-up slippers “Lavinia” in shiny black.
- Driving mocs “Rima Ice” in crackly fog grey, pimento, and black.
“Golf Inspirations”-Palm Beach shades of beach-ey lime green, white, and soft pink.
“Lyndon Slip Golf” in fetching diamond pattern green/white canvas.
“Catwalk”-A new direction into dressier styles- with suede, round toe pumps- “Missy Suede” …and edgy heeled leather lace-up oxfords and boots.
FOR MEN:
“Herringbone And Pique Chic”- Men’s oxfords with a twist.
-Classic saddle shoe in black/white.
-Office ready “Palais Herringbone” in woodsy brown tweed with brown leather cap-toes, heel details.
“Escape To The Country”-Casual style slip ons and ankle boots in rugged calf’s leather-in autumnal dark tones with embossed croc logos.
“Retro” The eighties byway of the thirties returns with old school cuts like the “R75 P2 low rise, laced sneaker in classic white, dark brown and go with anything black.
ACCESSORIES:
The contemporary tote/satchel/handbag collection for Fall 2008 sources Lacoste’s glam heritage of casual chic effortlessly freshened up with today’s want it colors and shapes. What caught our eyes were the collegiate themes that dominated the “it” totes for women- in striking Prince of Wales fabrics, fun leather trims in pink or baby blue, contrast stitching…and a flannel “L University” insignia.
Downtown cool in espresso brown and deep blacks in the “SOHO” messenger type bags- give men sporty yet sophisticated options they’ll actually want to carry.
RETAIL READY: Late Summer 2008
TRIVIA: Dubbed "The Alligator" by the American Press-René Lacoste, the French tennis star famed for his on and off court styles...was 're-branded' "Le Crocodile"--in a Lost in Translation moment...(alligators are native to the USA and China).
(Click on pics to enlarge)