It’s only a matter of time before Lacoste staged a show set in a locker room, and for the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Pelagia Kolotouros delivered just that, presenting a show titled “The Locker Room”. After all, this space—tucked away from public view—is where the story of a triumphant athlete begins. As the show note described, it is “a sanctuary where champions and passionate amateurs alike confront their most unguarded moments”.
Unlike the Fall/Winter 2025 show, which “put the heads in the game,” this season marked a sharp turn, shifting focus to the behind-the-scenes moments that shape champions. The historical Hall Eiffel at the Lycée Carnot—designed by French architect Hector Degeorge—was transformed into a locker room. Pristine white tiles lined the floor, accented with Lacoste green, while steamed glass panels and shower curtains created a liminal atmosphere, transporting guests to the private backstage realm where star athletes—including tennis legend René Lacoste himself—once cooled down and exchanged quiet words before or after their matches.
That said, the spotlight was on the training years, not the heyday of the Grand Slam victories. The collection embraced a relatively relaxed and youthful energy with a fresh perspective. Clothes came deliberately undone—unbuttoned tennis polo with widened neckline, tracksuit loosely tied, and skirts in terry fabric wrapped low on the waist to mimic the casual state of someone who’s just stepped out of the shower. Alongside the classic polos were robe-like trench coats and nylon garments with a “wet-look” finish. Performance fabrics were presented to capture the locker room setting—transparent organza layers and lustrous reflective leather echo the steamed panels or shower curtains in the room. It all evoked a sense of renewal, where players shed their sweat-soaked gear after a game—whether after a win or a loss—and are ready to step back into the arena with newfound lightness and confidence.
While the unfinished touches add a raw authenticity, the lineup was also anchored by Kolotouros’ strength in tailoring and the vintage sportswear sensibility that Lacoste is celebrated for. Nostalgia has been a common theme across many brands in recent seasons, but Kolotouros—now in her fourth season for Lacoste—executed it with finesse, without compromising the athletic essence of the house. A standout example was the return of the Lenglen bag, now with handles mimicking tennis racket grips.
The excitement for Spring, too, was translated not just through the delicate floral embroideries, but also the bold choice of colours. Beyond neutrals and the vintage tones like taupe and olive green, vibrant pops such as burning orange that’s a nod to the Philippe Chatrier clay court from last season, along with lush spring-appropriate green and also electric blue—an archival shade—that is often associated with speed. The iconic Lacoste polo shirt was also reworked, featuring straightforward inscriptions such as “Tennis for Everyone” and “Only for Tennis”.
After several seasons exploring the on- and off-court style of René Lacoste, Spring/Summer 2026 marks a fresh pivot—away from flashlights and headlines, and toward the quieter and more intimate spaces where the journey of greatness begins. It’s a subtle yet formative chapter in the brand’s ever-evolving narrative.
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