Lacoste

172 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 677-9004

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Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

WHO IS (REALLY) RENÉ LACOSTE?

Tennis legend? Founder of an eponymous brand? Yes, and more. Monsieur René Lacoste: an elegant tennis player who believed in fair play, and a passionate inventor behind a clothing revolution.

Born in 1904, René Lacoste becomes the world’s number one player in 1927, racking up victory after victory in Grand Slam tournaments. His success is due to his persistence and tenacity - the same qualities that help create his legend.

THE CROCODILE - THE STORY OF A SYMBOL

During a trip to Boston with the 1923 Davis Cup team, René Lacoste notices a crocodile suitcase. “If you win, I’ll buy it for you,” jokes his coach Alan Muhr before a match. This anecdote, captured by a nearby journalist from the Boston Evening Transcript, is behind his nickname, “The Alligator”, and quickly becomes the brand emblem.

Artist Robert George brings the crocodile logo to life in 1927.