DALLAS, Sep 21, 2005/ FW/ --- Lacoste, the quintessential French sportswear house continues its revival as a lifestyle brand with Christophe Lemaire at the helm with the Spring / Summer 2006 collection shown last week in New York.

Lacoste, which has transcended its tennis identity a long time ago and now offers a full line of clothing that can be worn on and off the courts, has become ‘hip and cool’ since Lemaire debuted his first collection for the brand during the Spring / Summer 2002 season.

Continuing on that development for Spring / Summer 2006, Lemaire propose pastels and bold summer colors that sports enthusiasts from all walks of life will appreciate.

The new tennis outfits for both men and women are in red and white, giving Andy Roddick who was sitting front row a big grin. The ladies will be sporting mini pleated skirts paired with thin-striped sleeveless tees.

The new canvas sneakers surely are stylish, though it is hard to know how they will perform on the tennis courts.

Gym shorts has that 1970s appeal, but unlike the real thing which was tight fitting, the Spring / Summer 2006 version is lightly fitted and more ergonomically designed.

Still, it was on the ‘off courts’ section of the collection that Christophe Lemaire showed his sure hand. Lightly fitted shirts in diamond dots, low rise walking shorts and pants, short jumper suits, tailored skirt and jacket ensembles and a kimono style jacket really hit the mark for Lacoste’s aspirations of being a lifestyle brand.

Lacoste

Lacoste

Lacoste

Lacoste