‘Underground Tennis’ by Lacoste x Mastermind Japan

Where preppy and street meet

The Lacoste x MASTERMIND JAPAN monochromatic representation of tennis-inspired streetwear basics is the thing of gender-neutral style dreams.

Words By Brittany Lyons

French heritage brand Lacoste has paired with uber-cool label MASTERMIND JAPAN, to bring us the tennis-inspired unisex collab we never knew we needed.

Known for paired-back tennis elegance, Lacoste has upped their edge game by working alongside a borderline punk-glam label.

Fronted by designer Masaaki Honma, MASTERMIND JAPAN is an eclectic mix of streetwear, sportswear and monochromatic elegance. Easily recognizable by its skull logo, this edgy Japanese outfit stands as a luxury solution to urban contemporary wear for the modern risk-taker.

True to Japanese culture, MASTERMIND brand celebrates spirituality and intricacy.

Proven through the use of top-quality materials and considered detailing, each MASTERMIND collection stands as an ode to the ornate nature of Japanese craftsmanship.

The theme of the collaborative work is titled ‘Underground Tennis’. Our interpretation suggests a translation into breathing new life into an otherwise simple and predictable clothing category. This marrying of traditional tennis attire and urban streetwear stands as a very compelling case of modernizing this genre of athleisure.

Lacoste’s penchant for a simple, sporty, aesthetic is the foundation of all 8 pieces. The capsule, presented as a mix of unisex tennis shoes, polo shirts, tees and hoodies, is small but packs a real punch.

Based upon classic silhouettes made popular by Lacoste, the offering of staples are so versatile, they are as perfect on the court as they are off.

Adhering to the strong brand foundations of MASTERMIND, each piece is imagined in a monochromatic palette of black and white.

Expertly co-branded, the infamous crocodile is present in his usual home, but now accompanied by mastermind’s signature skull. Adorned with the logos of both brands to the front, back and interior, it’s no denying that these pieces have been created with the intention to be noticed.

The campaign imagery has Creative Director, Louise Trotter’s, name written all over it. The newly-appointed head of the fashion house perfectly encapsulates how a heritage brand needs to look in 2020. Captivating, non-gender conforming and inclusive. The imagery is a cool, current and refreshing representation of Lacoste’s new look. Not to mention it does the capsule collection absolute justice. We want to buy every single piece.

Now available. Shop the limited-edition collection before it sells out.

lacoste.com.au