Lacoste
Lacoste is a French designer sports fashion company founded in 1933 by tennis champion René Lacoste and entrepreneur André Gillier, recognized globally by its iconic green crocodile logo. The company sells a wide range of products including clothing, footwear, leather goods, and, since 1968, fragrances
Brand Heritage and Values
Lacoste's identity is deeply rooted in sport and the personal values of its founder, René Lacoste
- The "Crocodile" Nickname: René Lacoste was nicknamed "the Crocodile" by the American press in 1923 after a bet over a crocodile-skin suitcase, in tribute to his tenacity and fighting spirit on the tennis court. This nickname and the resulting logo, designed by his friend Robert George, became the first example of a brand name appearing on the outside of an article of clothing.
- Core Values: The brand is guided by the values of elegance, tenacity, daring, fair play, and optimism, which it calls the "crocodile spirit".
- Evolution: Originally focused on the revolutionary cotton "petit piqué" polo shirt, the company expanded its product lines over the decades to become a global lifestyle brand
Fragrances Division
Lacoste introduced its first fragrance, a men's Eau de Toilette, in 1968 in collaboration with Jean Patou. Since then, it has developed numerous perfumes for men and women
- Manufacturing License: The fragrances are not produced directly by Lacoste S.A. but through a global licensing agreement.
- Current Partner: In late 2022, Lacoste signed a 15-year worldwide licensing agreement with Interparfums SA, effective from January 2024, for the creation, development, production, and marketing of all Lacoste perfume and cosmetic lines.
- Olfactory Identity: Lacoste fragrances often embody a blend of sportiness and sophistication, with scents known for their freshness, elegance, and energy, such as the popular L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette and Lacoste Pour Femme Eau de Parfum
