French Sports brand Lacoste with its iconic Crocodile symbol, has launched a trainer that moves away from traditions. The L 001 marks a new era for the company, and Rapper A$AP Nast was delighted to showcase them to the world.
Lacoste is known globally for its stylish fashion clothing, but it had its origins in sportswear. French Tennis star René Lacoste designed apparel and equipment to help him to perform better, and soon other sportspeople wanted his creations. The brand grew, and René marked his clothing with a Crocodile label referencing his nickname Le Crocodile.
The L 001 trainers have their roots in Tennis but are a twist on convention. To mark this, Lacoste has chosen someone outside the sporting arena to launch the footwear. An advocate of the French brand is American Hip Hop Artiste, Model, and Songwriter A$AP Nast, who has the Lacoste Crocodile tattooed on his chest. The company has asked the performer to showcase their new L 001 trainers, modelling them across many adverts.
A$AP Nast was born in Harlem in 1990 and had two passions in childhood, Sneakers and Music. He always knew he would have a career in music, so he dropped out of education and took a job selling sneakers. The firm belief paid off, and now he is a prominent musical performer with a passion for sneakers.
As the title suggests, L 001 is a new Trainer, registered by Lacoste as the first of its kind. Dynamic styling with reinvention at its heart, critical details are taken from treasures in the Lacoste archive such as the René. This was the name given to the brand’s first-ever shoe created by René Lacoste and a vintage racquet from the 1980s.
The retro shape and mood of the René mould into the spirit of the new L 001, and the angular triangular design on the trainer’s upper, mirror the kinetic lines of the racquet.
The L 001 is elegantly sporty, capturing the attention of the visually literate generation. They have a keen knowledge of references and a passion for great design, not limited to the traditional categories of menswear and womenswear. This ethos has always been key to Lacoste’s believes, exemplified by the iconic polo shirt adored by thousands.
The L 001 trainers also pay tribute to the details which make Lacoste iconic. Clean stripes, the subtle use of primaries brights and classic hues work with the motifs of the classic sportswear company. White, court green, rich navy, light mahogany, plum, saffron, traditional red and mint, the colours are timeless.
The L 001 trainers look superb and can be worn for any occasion with any clothes. I haven’t had a chance to try some on, but the shape seems like they would be comfortable, and the sole looks like it offers a reasonable grip. I love the versions available, with the green striped being my favourite. Subtle and stylish, they embody the ethos of Lacoste.
Lacoste L 001 – Where and How?
Six versions of the L 001 are available exclusively at Footlocker; all are priced at £89.99. Find out more about all Lacoste Footwear at www.lacoste.com.
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