“The Polo Shirt Itself is a Unique Work of Art”

Peter Saville is an art director from the UK. He began his career in the music industry, designing record jackets for famous artists such as Joy Division. In fashion, he has collaborated with designers like Christian Dior, Yohji Yamamoto, and Jil Sander. In 2004, he was appointed Creative Director for the city of Manchester, and in 2010, he designed the new uniform for the England national football team, a move that garnered significant attention across the UK.




To commemorate its 80th anniversary, LACOSTE has fully commissioned art director Peter Saville to redesign its iconic polo shirt,“L.12.12”Instead of redesigning the polo shirt itself, Saville focused on the crocodile logo, boldly reinterpreting the classic polo that has garnered a devoted following.

Maintaining the classic white fabric and the original green color of the logo, he depicted the crocodile using freehand-like strokes, ambiguous sketches, and simple lines to transform it into a contemporary item. The number of crocodiles created is 80, in honor of the 80th anniversary. Each men's and women's shirt features a unique logo, signed by Saville and numbered, truly befitting a limited edition piece.




“I wanted to challenge the brand culture by experimenting with the Lacoste logo, which is such a strong symbol of the brand's recognition,” Saville explained. “I thought about making it so simple that it wouldn't be recognizable as a crocodile. But even when I drew a vague green outline on a white polo shirt, it still turned out to be a crocodile. This experiment achieved the abstraction of the logo.”

He further elaborated on the collection's appeal: “Owning a Lacoste polo shirt that no one else has is quite rare, isn't it? The polo shirt itself becomes a unique work of art. It's very important to me to imbue even a commonly worn item with the significance of a work of art.”




In addition to the limited-edition "N°8 Collection" (80 pieces each for men and women, not available in Japan), the "Holiday Collector's Series" allows customers to choose from eight different crocodile designs and will be released in limited quantities in Japan. Both men's and women's versions will be sold in a limited run of 800 pieces each. Even if the original form of the crocodile is not entirely preserved, the fact that it is instantly recognizable as a Lacoste polo shirt is a testament to its status as a timeless classic. Peter Saville's playful reinterpretations brilliantly prove this point. We want to get our hands on these unprecedented "crazy crocodiles."

Men's Polo "PH0639" (Sizes: 2 / 3 / 4)
Women's Polo "PF0641" (Sizes: 36 / 38 / 40)
Designs: 8 types each
Limited Quantity: 800 pieces
Price: ¥24,150 each

LACOSTE Customer Service
0120-37-0202
www.lacoste.co.jp

“L.12.12”: 80 Years of Unchanging Style

“L.12.12”is LACOSTE's timeless classic. It's the universal product code for the ultimate polo shirt, and while minor adjustments have been made, its style has remained fundamentally unchanged for 80 years. There are many reasons for its enduring appeal, one of which is the petit piqué knit fabric, made from cotton that offers excellent breathability and stretch. Primarily using Supima cotton, a type of extra-long staple cotton, it combines a supple texture with an elegant sheen. The yarn is spun loosely, ensuring a soft feel that doesn't stiffen even after washing. Its stable shrinkage rate also prevents twisting and shrinking.




Another key feature is its high dyeing durability and resistance to fading, achieved through a unique dyeing process. The collar and placket are designed to resist deformation even after repeated washing, and the shoulder seams are reinforced with herringbone tape for improved smoothness and to prevent stretching. It also features fitted "lantern sleeves" to absorb sweat, side slits at the hem for enhanced range of motion, and buttons made of natural mother-of-pearl that subtly convey a sense of quality. Furthermore, all current "L.12.12" models sold in Japan are "Made in Japan," produced with exceptional skill at our own factory in Akita to ensure the highest level of perfection.“L.12.12”are produced with exceptional skill at our own factory in Akita to ensure the highest level of perfection.

Innovation Began in 1933

The origin of this exceptional polo shirt dates back to 1933. Challenging the convention that "tennis wear" meant "long-sleeved white cotton shirts," René Lacoste introduced a new style. He explained the inspiration behind it:René LacosteHe explained the inspiration behind it:

“I used to catch colds often during matches, and I realized it might be because I was wearing a loose-fitting dress shirt. I thought I needed a shirt that was more comfortable and allowed for greater freedom of movement. So, I looked at the short-sleeved, collarless shirts worn by polo players. Then, I added a collar to a "shirt for polo" made of soft fabric.”





This was the origin of the“L.12.12”When the lightweight, breathable polo shirt was released, it quickly gained popularity.René Lacosteretired from playing and dedicated himself to his business, founding the Chemise Lacoste company in 1933. Its subsequent growth is well-known. Continuously pursuing elegance and comfort, Lacoste established a strong presence not only in tennis but also in other sports.

The Long-Sleeved Version of the Classic Model is the "L1312"

A Timeless Model Upholding 80 Years of Tradition“L.12.12”is adapted into a long-sleeved version, the "L1312," which can be considered another classic. It features a wide range of color variations, with 13 standard colors plus heathered versions (made from a blend of light and dark yarns). You are sure to find a color that suits your taste.





Additionally, based on these traditional polo shirts, the "Crystal Croc Series" offers a new line with a large crocodile logo embellished with Swarovski crystals for a luxurious touch. Made from stretch piqué fabric, they are designed for ease of movement. Whichever style you choose, opting for a LACOSTE polo shirt is a wise decision.

LACOSTE Customer Service
0120-37-0202
www.lacoste.co.jp/
www.facebook.com/LacosteJapan

Stunning Anniversary Gifts That Captivate the Eye

The venue was the Yan Club Arts Center. Approximately 600 guests, primarily media representatives, gathered to celebrate Lacoste's milestone anniversary. Their attention was drawn to the exquisite gifts displayed in the main gallery. Each piece was a unique creation, representing the brand's interpretation of Lacoste, and the lineup of contributing brands underscored how deeply Lacoste is cherished in France.





The unique gifts were created by Baccarat, Bernardaud, Boucheron, Christofle, Fauchon, Goyard, Hermès, and S.T. Dupont (in alphabetical order). Each brand beautifully expressed its unique vision and affection for Lacoste, embodying the French concept of "savoir-faire" (know-how). The exhibition offered a glimpse into the craftsmanship, dedication, and tradition of these esteemed maisons. It paid homage to Lacoste's 80-year history of pursuing French chic, as well as its spirit of adventure and aesthetic sensibility.

Limited Edition Polo Shirts and DJ Sets Steal the Show

The "Holiday Collector's Series" polo shirts were also displayed on the gallery stairs and the second floor. Art director Peter Saville, who began his career in the music industry and has since designed collaborations with various brands and uniforms for the England national football team, was responsible for these creations. Based on the conclusion that "Lacoste's identity is eternal," he developed two collections. The "N°8 Collection" allows customers to choose one of eight "crazy crocodile" designs to be applied to a white polo shirt. Furthermore, the "Limited Edition," which is not for sale in Japan, features 80 unique, original logo designs on polo shirts. Each piece is signed by Peter Saville and includes a serial number, signifying its status as a one-of-a-kind item.





The music for the party was provided by Beijing-based DJ Wordy, Tokyo's DJ and photographer Yasumasa Yonehara, and Seoul's celebrity DJ FhiFan. They filled the space with chic, urban sounds that perfectly complemented Lacoste, energizing the atmosphere. Additionally, three interactive elements were a great success: a large message board for guests to leave birthday wishes for Lacoste, a photo booth for real-time photo sharing, and a QR code system for pre-ordering the "Holiday Collector's Series" polo shirts. Everyone was captivated by this multifaceted and special party.

LACOSTE Customer Service
0120-37-0202
www.lacoste.co.jp/
www.facebook.com/LacosteJapan