French tennis star Jean René Lacoste made is unintentional foray into
fashion when he revealed his trademark sports performance shirt during a
tennis match in 1929.
His Four Musketeers team was the first to win the
Davis Cup from the Americans, and consequently, the American press
nicknamed Lacoste, “The Crocodile,” highlighting his tenacity and spunk.
After retiring from tennis, Lacost founded La Chemise Lacost in 1933
and began producing his trademark shirt--complete with the signature
crocodile logo (some say it's an alligator) embroidered on the chest.
The brand expanded rapidly into sportswear, and eventually fragrance.
Hits include sporty fragrances like Lacoste, Inspiration, Cool Play, Hot
Play, Junior and Red Style in Play.
