Lacoste Fall-Winter 2026 Show: The Interrupted Match

On July 31, 1923, René Lacoste faced one of Spain’s leading tennis players, Manuel de Gomar, during a Davis Cup match held in Deauville, France. When heavy rain completely flooded the grass court, spectators threw newspapers onto the court to help it dry faster. As the players continued the match under pouring rain, the audience took shelter under umbrellas, protecting themselves with trench coats, ponchos, raincoats, and rubber boots.

Due to the severe rain, the match extended over two days. Despite this, René Lacoste maintained his dominance on the court, winning after four sets and leading France to the finals. This unforgettable, rain-interrupted match symbolized the beginning of young René Lacoste’s journey toward becoming a world champion.

In the Fall-Winter 2026 collection, Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros draws inspiration from this historic match and the idea of “memory” it carries. The collection interprets moments that recall tension and determination, preparation and performance, waiting and ultimately winning. Expanding the concept of functional elegance, Kolotouros shifts her focus this season to the stands. Lacoste’s heritage is explored not through the most intense moments of competition on the court, but through the intervals between matches—moments where spectator culture holds as much meaning as the game itself.

Advancing her design approach to outerwear established in previous seasons, Pelagia Kolotouros focuses on waterproofing and technical fabric development in this collection. The trench coat is positioned as a key piece, while the poncho is reinterpreted as an evolved form of the polo. Bonded technical wool fabrics provide a protective layer against harsh weather conditions. Padded and voluminous designs made from transparent nylon fabrics stand out with wet-look or reflective surfaces. These pieces are layered with the rich texture of velvet and the soft tailoring of the iconic René blazer, creating a striking contrast. The brand’s signature crocodile logo is also reimagined with bold new interpretations, while archive-inspired embroidery and emblem applications redefine this iconic symbol with a strong design language.

Raw functionality and refined design come together through the Lacoste Roots collaboration. Developed with the Scottish brand Mackintosh, founded in 1824 and known for its heritage in outerwear, the capsule collection brings together the craftsmanship of both brands within a unified design language. Renowned for its expertise in rubberized fabrics, Mackintosh continues its production tradition largely faithful to its original methods. The brand’s signature color-matched, waterproof cotton fabrics are hand-bonded and hand-taped using techniques passed down since the 19th century.

The dialogue between two deep-rooted heritages shaped by weather conditions and performance results in powerful silhouettes that carry the brand’s classics into a new design space. A polo reinterpreted in poncho form, a water-resistant tracksuit, a pleated trench skirt, and hybrid sweatshirt-shirt designs stand out among the key pieces of the collection. The brand’s heritage patterns are revived through technical fabrics, while iconic cable-knit sweaters are combined with high-performance nylon textures. Outerwear shaped by Mackintosh’s production techniques merges flawless functionality with Lacoste’s distinctive design language. Neo-Tennis pieces, largely transcending gender boundaries, reinterpret the dynamism of sport without limiting it to a specific identity, offering strong stylistic appeal without compromising functionality.

Forms and textures highlight Lacoste’s “tech-heritage” design approach. This approach, which combines athletic heritage with archival references and performance with poetic expression, defines the character of the collection. Iconic elements of fan culture are also integrated into the collection; worn-look trophy badges, Grand Slam T-shirts, iconic tracksuits, and digital watch designs with flexible straps expand this narrative. The Lenglen bag is reinterpreted this season with new proportions, completed with a silicone grip handle that enhances its urban and sporty silhouette. A racket case and a tennis ball-shaped clutch are crafted using Mackintosh’s technical fabrics.

The Fall-Winter palette reflects colors intensified by natural conditions, offering a transition from cold to warm tones, from the dullness of overcast skies to more vivid expressions. Cool grey reflections, ink-effect mélange textures, and dark wet-metal finishes create depth in the core fabrics. The Agave Green tone evokes grass revitalized after heavy rain, while Rusty Red references the clay courts of Roland-Garros, recalling surfaces covered against sudden downpours.

The Lacoste Fall-Winter 2026 collection reflects the depth of meaning grasped by young René Lacoste as he left that waterlogged court. The true game does not merely represent a contest between opponents; it continues to exist as an ongoing dialogue between the body and the forces of nature.