Tennis

Daniil Medvedev's Roland Garros debut on Monday evening was a memorable one, not only for his performance on the court but also for his unique attire. Bundled up in multiple layers to combat the chilly Parisian weather, Medvedev's cozy ensemble drew attention on social media.Despite the cold temperatures, Medvedev's performance was far from sluggish. He faced a spirited challenge from Dominik Koepfer, but ultimately prevailed in four sets. The Russian fired 35 winners and saved all four break points he faced, showcasing his resilience and determination.Medvedev's attire was a testament to his adaptability and the importance of comfort on the court. He wore his signature Lacoste match kit, complete with thermal sleeves, leggings, and two outer layers. The leggings were tucked into high socks for maximum warmth, creating a look that was both functional and stylish.The cozy ensemble garnered a range of reactions on social media, with some fans dubbing him the second coming of French fashion icon Rene Lacoste. Lacoste, a three-time Roland Garros winner, was not only a tennis champion but also the inventor of the polo shirt and a pioneer of branding in sportswear.Medvedev's Lacoste kit for Roland Garros 2024 is a testament to the brand's heritage and its commitment to innovation. The navy blue performance polo with burgundy red and white details, including a striped collar and sleeves, is both stylish and functional. The burgundy red shorts and Lacoste AG-LT Ultra shoes in navy blue complete the look.All of the garments feature Medvedev's personal logo, which was introduced by Lacoste last year and is inspired by his love for gaming. The logo adds a personal touch to the kit, reflecting Medvedev's unique personality and style.Medvedev's victory over Koepfer sets up a second-round clash with Miomir Kecmanovic, who defeated Thiago Monteiro in four sets. Medvedev will be looking to continue his momentum and make a deep run at Roland Garros, while also showcasing his signature style on the court.

Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams, two legendary tennis icons, have joined forces with Lacoste for a powerful advertising campaign that celebrates the brand's iconic crocodile symbol and the indomitable spirit of its ambassadors.The "Play Big" campaign features Djokovic and Williams posing with a colossal 26-foot activation of the Lacoste crocodile, constructed from tennis materials. Williams playfully lunges into the crocodile's open mouth, while Djokovic leans casually against its maw, showcasing their unwavering confidence and determination.Djokovic, the current ATP No. 1, embodies the brand's values of calmness, power, and fearlessness. His relaxed demeanor mirrors his unparalleled dominance on the court. Williams, known for her unwavering grace and commitment to excellence, symbolizes the power of two iconic forces meeting in a larger-than-life encounter.Djokovic has been a Lacoste brand ambassador since 2017, while Williams joined the family in 2022. The campaign also features four other ambassadors: French actor Pierre Niney, South Korean singer and model Jeon So-mi, actor Ahn Hyo Seop, and Chinese actor, singer, and dancer Wang Yibo.In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Williams acknowledged the resurgence of the "tennis-core" trend, thanks in part to the Hollywood blockbuster Challengers and its star Zendaya. She emphasized that tennis has always been at the intersection of sports and fashion, with Lacoste being a pioneer in elevating sports-chic looks.Djokovic, on the other hand, finds inspiration in the real-life behavior of the crocodile. "When I see a crocodile, it reminds me of René Lacoste, what he represents for our sport, what he represents for fashion," he said. "But it also reminds me of the fierce predator animal in the wild, and when I'm on the court, I have to turn into this almost predator-like mentality."The "Play Big" campaign is a testament to Lacoste's enduring legacy in the world of fashion and sports. It celebrates the audacity, unlimited creativity, and confidence that are the very essence of the brand, embodied by its iconic ambassadors.

Lacoste's Triumphant Return to Paris Fashion Week: A Tennis-Inspired ExtravaganzaFrench fashion icon Lacoste made a grand return to Paris Fashion Week, showcasing its latest collection at the hallowed grounds of Roland Garros' Court Philippe-Chatrier. The show marked a significant milestone for the brand, not only as its first appearance at the event in three years but also as a poignant homage to its tennis heritage.Under the creative direction of Pelagia Kolotouros, the collection exuded a vibrant palette of deep browns, rust oranges, and forest greens. Models glided across an elevated platform at mid-court, their attire adorned with subtle nods to the sport that has defined Lacoste's legacy.From a floor-length green trench coat reminiscent of a tennis ball to pleated skirts that would not look out of place on Chatrier's clay courts, Kolotouros seamlessly blended tennis aesthetics with contemporary fashion. Polo shirts and V-neck sweaters, once ubiquitous on-court attire, were reimagined with a fresh, modern touch.The collection also featured a vintage racquet bag, a playful accessory that evoked the brand's tennis roots. In a social media post, Lacoste declared that the collection "re-energizes the brand in the spirit of the young René Lacoste," the legendary tennis player who inspired the brand's iconic crocodile logo.Kolotouros's inspiration extended beyond the brand's history. She has previously cited Venus Williams as a "muse" and hailed Novak Djokovic's dominance as "inspiring." In an interview with Interview magazine, she praised Williams' embodiment of the brand's values and Djokovic's unwavering focus and stamina.The show was attended by a star-studded audience, including Emma Roberts, Adrien Brody, and Mel C. The collection received widespread acclaim, with Vogue noting its "elegant modernism" and its ability to "carve out a new path" for the brand.Lacoste's triumphant return to Paris Fashion Week was a testament to its enduring legacy and its ability to fuse its tennis heritage with contemporary fashion. The collection celebrated the brand's roots while embracing a fresh, modern aesthetic, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of fashion.