Hermès’ Gift to Celebrate 80 Years of Lacoste

Two crocodile-shaped pins made of Boucheron diamonds and emeralds, Fauchon’s eclair with Lacoste colors, a Baccarat crystal vase inspired by tennis trophies, a Christofle silver golf club, an S.T. Dupont box set, a white Goyard overnight bag marked with the famed lizard, a rainbow assortment of 27 t-shirts by Bernardeau… all of these are exceptional gifts that were offered to Lacoste by these prestigious French brands for its 80th year of existence. But while their different ways of expressing their respect are original in their own right, it’s Hermès gift that has captured our attention, having best united its savoir-faire with the history of Lacoste to produce a unique object.

The famous family-owned brand created a khaki-green crocodile skin tennis bag in reference to an anecdote that’s worth retelling. In the 20s, tennis champion René Lacoste and future founder of the eponymous brand talked about a crocodile skin suitcase with the captain of his team, that he brought home after winning his match, earning him the nickname “crocodile”, a famous animal that would become iconic since it was then embroidered on the famed cotton-stitched L12.12 polos. This is why the tennis bag offered by Hermès was created in a sumptuous crocodile skin, and equipped with a pocket meant to house a racket. Assuredly the most elegant sports bag ever conceived for tennis court regulars, this creation pays homage in the most beautiful way to Lacoste’s history.

But this gift is also an occasion for Hermès to remind us of the excellence of its artisanship, the splendor of the materials at its disposition as well as its continuous spirit of inventiveness. More surreptitiously, it’s a powerful demonstration of the flexibility of the brand’s workshops when it comes to special orders and the quality of their service. This tennis bag has been coveted since its announcement, however, only one copy exists and it is not to be put up for sale, in contrast with presents from other brands, all limited editions available to be purchased. And for those who didn’t have the time to stop by Colette between the 10th and the 16th of June to admire Hermès’ bag for Lacoste, surrounded by other gifts by the eight other brands initially invited by Lacoste to pay them homage, you’ll have to settle for the video.