Lacoste brings tennis heritage and Chinese architecture together in Shanghai show
The Washed Out Match show took place on October 22 against a backdrop of traditional Chinese architecture (photo: lacoste.com)
French fashion brand Lacoste unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 collection in Shanghai on October 22. Titled Washed Out Match, Reimagined, the show brought together the brand's tennis-inspired aesthetic, sporting heritage, and elements of Chinese culture.
The brand chose a venue with traditional Chinese architecture for the presentation, transforming the space into a striking red stage with tennis-court references. The contrast between the historic surroundings and modern sportswear aesthetics became part of the show's concept.
Reimagining history
Lacoste creative director Pelagia Kolotouros reimagined the story behind the collection: a tennis match played by the brand's founder, René Lacoste, that was interrupted by a downpour in 1923.
At the time, the athlete faced Spanish tennis player Manuel de Gomar in a Davis Cup match in Deauville, France. Heavy rain stretched the match over two days, but Lacoste ultimately won.
The episode inspired the Washed Out Match collection, which Lacoste first presented in March 2026 on the Roland-Garros courts in Paris. In Shanghai, the brand expanded on the same story, placing it in a different cultural context.
Lacoste unveiled its new collection in Shanghai (photo: instagram.com/lacoste)
Collection's key pieces
The collection combines sportswear elements with functional outerwear, technical fabrics, and classic wardrobe staples.
Key pieces include oversized raincoats, ponchos, waterproof designs, knitwear, and reimagined tennis silhouettes. Textures and colors play an important role, evoking rainy weather and tennis courts.
The collection also highlights a collaboration with British outerwear brand Mackintosh, known for its waterproof fabric technologies. The partnership builds on the collection's central idea: combining practicality, sports functionality, and elegance.
The Washed Out Match collection (photo: corporate.lacoste.com)
The Shanghai show continued Pelagia Kolotouros' creative exploration, bringing Lacoste's heritage into dialogue with contemporary fashion and culture.
Through the story of a rain-interrupted match, the brand reimagines its tennis identity and shows how sportswear can extend beyond the court.
