Pelagia Kolotouros (Lacoste): "My favorite garment is the tennis skirt. The pleat was invented to free women's movement"
Pelagia Kolotouros, the New York designer for Lacoste, emphasizes the importance of the tennis skirt in women's fashion and the brand's philosophy of creating designs that prioritize movement and practicality.
Pelagia Kolotouros, a New York designer who joined Lacoste three years ago, aims to merge sport, French culture, and pragmatism in her designs. She highlights the tennis skirt as her favorite garment, underscoring its historical significance in women's apparel and how the pleated design was introduced to enhance freedom of movement. Her approach revolves around lightness and everyday wearability, catering to modern lifestyles.
Upon exploring Lacoste's extensive archives, Kolotouros was particularly struck by the brand's innovative history, notably the invention of the lightweight steel tennis racquet, which revolutionized the game while also addressing practical challenges faced by players. She sees Lacoste's mission as driven by a desire to find solutions through design, which mirrors her philosophy in creating fashion that serves one’s daily life.
Kolotouros's vision for Lacoste blends elegance with functionality, advocating for designs that not only look good but also enhance the wearer's experience. Her insights invite a deeper appreciation for how fashion intersects with sport and daily activities, and how historical innovations continue to influence contemporary style choices, particularly for women.