French fashion brand Lacoste hosted its autumn-winter collection presentation on October 22, 2026, in Shanghai, blending tennis aesthetics with traditional Chinese architectural motifs. The Washed Out Match, Reimagined show attracted critical acclaim for its striking set design, transforming a historical location into a vibrant red arena referencing tennis courts.
Historical Roots and Tennis Heritage
Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros drew inspiration from a historical episode involving brand founder René Lacoste. In 1923, his Davis Cup match against Spanish tennis player Manuel de Gomar in Deauville, France, was interrupted by a heavy downpour. Although the game stretched over two days, Lacoste ultimately secured victory, providing the foundational narrative for the entire collection line.
The Washed Out Match collection originally debuted in March 2026 on the courts of Roland Garros stadium in Paris. The Shanghai presentation served as a logical continuation of this creative journey, translating the Parisian context into a distinct cultural landscape in China. The contrast between centuries-old architectural heritage and modern athletic apparel formed a unique visual language for the show.
Technology, Materials, and Collaborations
The runway featured functional pieces combining athletic performance with urban wardrobe staples. The lineup included oversized raincoats, technical ponchos, waterproof outerwear, contemporary knitwear, and reimagined classic tennis silhouettes. Color palettes and fabric textures directly evoked rainy weather and tennis courts.
A key highlight of the collection was a collaboration with renowned British outerwear brand Mackintosh. Known for its innovative waterproof fabric technologies, Mackintosh perfectly complemented the collection's theme inspired by a rain-delayed match. This collaboration emphasized the brand's commitment to merging elegance, tradition, and high practicality.
Significance of the Show for Brand Growth
The Shanghai presentation demonstrated the fashion house's ability to adapt its athletic heritage to global cultural trends. Reinterpreting identity through the lens of Asian architecture illustrates how contemporary fashion blurs the boundaries between sports, history, and art. Such large-scale events strengthen the brand's international market position and set the stylistic vector for the upcoming season.
