Patriotism runs riot at Lacoste’s SS16 presentation.

Showing Your Stripes

Lacoste transcended their sportswear roots at their SS16 presentation, but didn’t leave them behind entirely. It was a riot of pattern and colour that brazenly riffed on national flags, using their designs to swathe models in skirts that flowed out into patriotic displays – American stars and stripes were conspicuously present for what is, after all, an iconic French brand. There was no shortage of strong branded graphic pieces either, unsurprising considering Lacoste’s famous logo, but they were a long way from those preppy polo shirts and actually felt strikingly contemporary in the midst of our 90s sportswear revival.

Techno-Tailored

The menswear, in particular, made great use of tailoring, with flowing trench coats in vibrant colours thrown over t shirts and trousers in matching shades. A particular standout was a sheer, short sleeve white shirt (layered over a polo) which seemed to perfectly encapsulate the techno-meets-classic vibe the collection was aiming for.

Militarily Minded

Felipe Oliveira Baptisa cited militaria as one of his influences, and this was especially clear in one multi-pocketed, olive green ensemble but came through more subtly in a piece that transformed from a bomber into a shirt-dress as the eye ran down the body – complete with large graphic detailing at the hem. A great direction for Lacoste, then, and one that shows they’re so much more than that crocodile.

Words: Benji Walters