Lacoste is a French apparel company founded in 1933 that sells high-end clothing, footwear, perfume, leather goods, watches, eyewear, and most famously tennis shirts. In recent years, Lacoste has introduced a home line of sheeting and towels. The company can be recognized by its green crocodile logo. The company name derived from the surname of its founder, Rene Lacoste, a world renowned tennis player then.
Its major competitors include Sergio Tacchini, Fred Perry, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Diesel, Kenneth Cole, Guess.
Rene Lacoste was nicknamed the 'crocodile' by the press after he made a bet with the captain of the French Davis Cup team. Apparently, Rene was promised a crocodile skin suitcase, something that was very important to the team, should he win the match. Though he lost the match, the public stuck with the nickname 'crocodile' and Rene then decided to have a crocodile embroidered on his blazer, which he wore to the court.
Fast forward to the time Rene had to get an identity for his business. The crocodile was made part of Lacoste's brand identity.
Though, it's possible not to think of Lacoste when you see or hear of a crocodile. The crocodile inevitably comes to mind whenever you think of Lacoste.
