Jennifer Chan
Staff Writer
Think back to grade school and you might remember the abundance of little boysÕ polo shirts emblazoned with status icons over the heart. ÒLogo maniaÓ thrived in the 1980s and every article of clothing was plastered with a brand name or symbol somewhere.
Ralph Lauren shirts boasted the classic horse and polo player, while Izod carried a crest and Lacoste boasted the irresistible little crocodile.
Although years have passed and cycles of trendy fashions have certainly emerged, the polo shirt reigns as a classic staple for both genders.
What makes the polo so significant is the collar Ñ a trademark indicator of playful formality. The latest craze (love it or hate it) is the Òpopped collarÓ (the collar is flipped up), a trend that evolved in the preppy 1980s era and has apparently resurfaced. Guys have definitely picked up on this trend (I attribute it to the workings of Abercrombie and Fitch) and many think it adds a dash of panache to an otherwise boring garment.
While I fully recognize that some find this trend ridiculous and pompous, I must attest that it does look becoming on some people.
Bottom line Ñ sport it if you like it and are comfortable with it Ñ if not, blame it on a tried-and-true loyalty to mainstream conditioning and applaud yourself as a traditionalist.
Popped collar or no popped collar, in my opinion, the polo shirt exudes a sporty appeal that requires no more effort to put on than the average T-shirt, while managing an instantly preppy and pulled-together look.
Undoubtedly, Lacoste dominates the polo shirt market, setting the standard for all things preppy chic and effortlessly understated.
The Lacoste brand originated in Paris by a tennis star by the name of Rene Lacoste. Lacoste earned the nickname ÒLe crocodileÓ after winning a crocodile skin bag in a tennis bet, which led him to have the reptileÕs image embroidered on his classic tennis blazer.
This icon was appropriate as Lacoste deemed the crocodile to represent patience and power. Clearly, this fit precisely into LacosteÕs vision for his clothing line, a corporation committed to longevity and quality.
Before long, Lacoste began manufacturing short-sleeved knitted polo shirts with the crocodile on the pocket, making the true beginning of ÔsportswearÕ as we know it.
Now, there are 90 variations of the Lacoste polo with styles for men, women and children, and Lacoste boutiques are sprinkled throughout major cities all over the country.
From Òpetit-piqueÓ to pima cotton or their exceptional lightweight knit, the fabrics differ by season and come in a wide assortment of tempting colors.
Perfecting an already appealing shirt with terrific quality and fit, the Lacoste brand proves to be one of elegant class and refined detail, as each polo is finished off with mother of pearl buttons.
The sportswear powerhouse continues to thrive in the fashion world as it premiered collections from chief designer, Christophe Lemaire, during New York Fashion Week. In addition to polo shirts, Lacoste also carries sweaters, jackets, suits, culottes, flirty dresses, Oxford shirts and swimwear.
Featuring tennis dresses with a sexy body-hugging shape accessorized with a chic beret, LemaireÕs designs during Fashion Week retain the classic simplicity of the brand while conveying an idealistic sense of upbeat modernism for lovers of leisure.
Not quite sure if youÕre ready to indulge in the luxury of Lacoste? Worry not Ñ I recommend picking up a polo shirt of any brand and youÕll be amazed by the endless options a classic piece can provide!
09-30-2004
