There are collaborations, and then there are collaborations that blow your mind. This, the Lacoste x Maisons Francaises collection, has certainly done that and more. In celebration of the French fashion house’s 80th anniversary, they invited 9 French houses (collectively known as Maisons Francaises), which created one-of-a-kind masterpieces for them, most of which will (sadly) never be sold to the public.
These unique objects are symbols of the craftsmanship, expertise and know-how of some of the greatest names in French luxury.
A common theme in all the precious pieces created for Lacoste features either the brand’s corporate hues, its iconic crocodile and/or a tribute to its heritage, which includes sporting apparel for tennis, golf and sailing.
Lacoste x S.T. Dupont gift set
Take S.T. Dupont’s purposely mysterious set in pristine white and lawn green for example, filled with a beautiful lighter Ligne 2, two candles, a notebook and two pens: Elysée and Classique, an ideal kit for any sportsman (or man for that matter).
Lacoste x Baccarat bowl
Maison Baccarat created a crystal vase inspired by the tennis and golf trophies that René Lacoste, his wife, daughter, and all of the Lacoste champions ever since, held high above their head. The design of this work of art is reminiscent of the prevalent shapes of the 1930s.
And then there’s the stunning crystal bowl from Baccarat, which reminds me of a deconstructed tennis ball. Last but not least, my third most favourite piece from the collaboration, this pair of Boucheron brooches in the shape of the crocodile that’s made up of diamonds and emeralds, fitting because René Lacoste once gifted his wife with a brooch from Boucheron.
Lacoste x Boucheron diamomd and emerald brooches
Maison Boucheron created two brooches inspired by the legendary crocodile. Made of diamonds and emeralds, these jewels are a modern interpretation of the Boucheron brooch René Lacoste gifted his wife.
Lacoste x Christofle sterling silver club
Maison Christofle pays tribute to Lacoste by producing a silver golf club.
Lacoste x Hermès tennis crocodile bag
Maison Hermès offers Lacoste a crocodile-skin tennis bag.
Lacoste x Goyard travel bag
The Maison Goyard travel bag with a crocodile and chevron-patterned monogram.
Lacoste x Bernardaud golf tees
René Lacoste married golf legend Simone Thion de la Chaume and Bernardaud presents 27 colourful golf tees inspired by the joyful palette of the Lacoste polo. Until the 1950s, the Lacoste polo was only produced in white, but today, about 60 colors are available every season.
Lacoste x Veuve Clicquot personalised Champagne
The popping cork of champagne, on the night of the anniversary, should echo the noise of a golf ball dropping in the hole on a golf course. As such Veuve Clicquot manufactured a special trolley.
Lacoste x Fauchon chocolate eclairs
Fauchon celebrates Lacoste’s 80th with its signature pastry: the éclair. Flavours include green tea, almond, vanilla, and lemon and strawberry. The finishing touch is a marshmallow crocodile. I’m sure are as tasty as they look.
The selection from Christofle, Bernardaud, Boucheron, and S.T. Dupont will be available for order should you be interested in making one of the specialty items your own, while the Hermès, Goyard, Baccarat, and Veuve Clicquot pieces will be kept in the Lacoste archives, hopefully appearing at the 80th-anniversary fete set for September.
The collection, although unavailable to buy, will go on display from June 10 until June 15 at Colette in Paris. Check them out here via Lacoste.
Yakymour 