At the iconic Roland-Garros Stadium in Paris, Lacoste transforms the Philippe Chatrier central court into a runway for its Spring-Summer 2027 collection, drawing inspiration from the clay surface that has shaped some of tennis’s most defining moments. Titled “Dress Code: No White Required,” the collection challenges traditional sporting dress codes, celebrating individuality, movement, and the freedom to redefine classic style.
Under the creative direction of Pelagia Kolotouros, the presentation places clay at the center of the experience. Mounds of earth fill the arena, guests sit on steel seating inspired by the factories where clay is produced, and the runway traces an infinity loop across the terre battue surface.
The collection revisits tennis history through two figures who reshaped its conventions in the 1920s. Suzanne Lenglen challenged expectations by playing in a calf-length pleated skirt without a corset, while René Lacoste pursued greater comfort and speed by shortening his sleeves. His practical innovation eventually gave rise to the iconic polo shirt, establishing a lasting connection between sporting function and everyday fashion.
Reworking Preppy Codes Through Movement
For Spring-Summer 2027, Lacoste loosens the structure of traditional preppy dressing, replacing rigid silhouettes with pieces designed to move naturally with the body. Garment-dyed and enzyme-washed cottons soften classic forms, while deconstructed tropical wool and washed silk introduce a relaxed, less formal sensibility. Perforated jersey knits and technical fabrics further emphasize breathability and ease.
The runway features deep teal overcoats, softly tailored suits, oversized piqué polos, and technical long-sleeve jerseys paired with half-pleated skirts. Vibrant cobalt nylon tracksuits and an orange zip vest bring the energy of the tennis warm-up to the collection, while a white coat and wide-leg trousers marked with clay stains turn the traces of play into design details.
Crumpled cottons and graphic T-shirts complete a wardrobe that invites personal interpretation rather than strict adherence to tradition.
From The Court To The Street
Accessories extend the collection’s sporting references into everyday dressing. Inspired by a 1984 photograph of Lacoste’s iconic polo by Irving Penn, a soft, draped bag features a diagonal flap echoing the relaxed shape of a cotton piqué collar. Available in white, gradient clay, and mirror-finish silver, it connects the brand’s heritage with a contemporary aesthetic.
The sculptural ACE-T1 caged sneaker draws inspiration from the tension and structure of a tennis net. Its concept spans three forms: a sneaker, a tennis-ball wedge, and a lace-up pump, translating sporting references into varied footwear silhouettes.
The season’s palette reflects the terrain of the court after a match, combining sunbaked clay and mineral earth tones with flashes of silver, acid yellow, and cobalt blue.
With Dress Code: No White Required, Lacoste returns to the spirit of its founder’s original innovation: clothing should enable freedom rather than impose restrictions. The Spring-Summer 2027 collection reimagines tennis-inspired dressing as a personal expression of movement, character, and individuality.
