COMFORT AS AN AESTHETIC, CHIC AND ATHLETIC

With his first collection for Lacoste, Felipe Olivetra Baptista sought
to re-establish French sportswear as the essence of “la Parisienne,”
an ideal of effortless elegance that was born with the recognition
of the infamous crocodile.

Baptista draws nostalgic inspiration from a time when women would steal
a jacket from their lover’s suitcase, and show up nonchalantly, drawing attention with scandalous simplicity. The collection is not about reviving the past or updating references, but expressing the label’s maturity,
its modernization. The collection is proof that the label has maintained the exquisite quality and sportsmanship that established its reputation decades ago.

A functional unisex silhouette allows both women and men to dip into
each other’s travel luggage. The Lacoste signature pique polo dress,
meant to compliment a versatile wardrobe, becomes a bit more sophisticated when created with silk and fastened in the back. Baptista succeeds
in reaffirming that luxurious sportswear can be a shortcut to pure chic.

Rugby shirts leave trousers for no necessity- merely cleats and a scrum.
Neutral navy blue, soft grey, beige and caramel are summoned to rival blocks of vibrant Flamenco red, Sumatra blue, Jewel green and Acid yellow. His choice of fabric widely ranges from those nearly liquid, to cotton
and silk canvas. Art deco inspired images are printed on silk georgette
and wool voile. Leather details and trimmings enliven maxi cotton pique
and swollen linen knits.

- Elizabeth Katharine James