The history of Lacoste reads like a history of tennis. It was founded by legendary tennis player René Lacoste, who with his teammates “The Musketeers” won the Davis Cup in 1927.

Even the crocodile logo associated with the brand came from tennis. René Lacoste was nicknamed “The Crocodile” by the U.S. press.

According to the official Lacoste company history, in 1927, René Lacoste made a bet with the Captain of the French Davis Cup team concerning a suitcase made from alligator skin.

The team captain promised the formidable player that he would buy the suitcase for René Lacoste if he won every important match for the team. He did win all those matches, and since then, the young player became “The Crocodile.”

The logo was drawn by Robert George, a friend of René Lacoste, who in turn embroidered it on the blazer that he wore on the courts.

A true innovator, René Lacoste revolutionized the tennis men’s sportswear.

See instore for more.