Lacoste's Spring-Summer 2026 Collection: The Locker Room Experience

Lacoste's Spring-Summer 2026 collection presentation, held at the historic Lycée Carnot gymnasium in Paris, marked a significant evolution in the brand's approach to sportswear integration. Artistic director Pelagia Kolotouros, drawing from her extensive experience with Calvin Klein, Yeezy, Adidas, and The North Face, presented her fourth collection for the French fashion house, transforming the venue into what she aptly named 'The Locker Room.' The setting perfectly captured the collection's central theme: the transitional moment after physical exertion when athletes shed their sweat-soaked gear for fresh, clean attire.

Collection Aesthetic and Design Philosophy

The collection demonstrated Kolotouros's deliberate shift toward incorporating more sportswear elements than her previous two collections for Lacoste. As reported by FashionNetwork.com, the designer created silhouettes that swung from abbreviated to oversized, utilizing predominantly vivid hues drawn directly from the Lacoste archives. The color progression began with orange and its tennis-court variations, gradually transitioning to blue, green, and finally taupe, cream, and white tones. This chromatic journey reflected both the brand's sporting heritage and the collection's post-exercise freshness theme.

Key Pieces and Wardrobe Diversity

The wardrobe presented remarkable diversity in both construction and styling. Long coats elegantly covered loose-cut suits featuring either trousers or shorts, while red leather tops with generous collars added sophisticated contrast. A distinctive poncho design cleverly concealed entire looks, revealing only the tied straps of collars beneath. Wet-look nylon tracksuits prominently underscored the collection's sporting spirit, bridging the gap between athletic performance and high fashion. The deliberate mismatch in styling, such as shorts worn under joggers and stretched polo shirts, served both aesthetic and comfort purposes, creating a relaxed yet intentional look.

Accessories and Brand Heritage

Kolotouros placed significant emphasis on accessories throughout 'The Locker Room' collection. Bucket bags and towels knotted at the waist or slung over arms revived the authentic atmosphere of gym showers. The brand paid homage to its founder René Lacoste with special prints on the back of certain pieces, while some tops featured the date "1927" - commemorating the year designer Robert George created the iconic crocodile logo. Footwear included sport-inspired lace-up flats with flaps, various heeled shoes with square or round toes, and mounded forms in suede-like materials, all contributing to the collection's cohesive athletic aesthetic.

Notable Bag Designs

The accessory selection featured several standout bag designs that complemented the collection's theme. The returning Lenglen bag appeared in models' hands, sometimes in half-white, half-black color schemes stamped with the message "For tennis use only." Deeper bags were worn under the arm, while slim racquet cases were carried by their handles, all reinforcing the tennis heritage that forms Lacoste's foundation. These carefully considered accessories not only enhanced the overall aesthetic but also provided functional elements that resonated with the brand's sporting origins.

The collection presentation concluded with an auditory experience featuring breath sounds, percussion, and squeaks reminiscent of athletic training sessions. As noted by FashionNetwork.com, the show attracted notable attendees including tennis champion Venus Williams, actors Pierre Niney and Adèle Exarchopoulos, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and other prominent figures from sports and entertainment. Following the models' final walk, Kolotouros herself broke into a run across the room before joining her team, perfectly embodying the energetic spirit that defined her Spring-Summer 2026 vision for Lacoste.