Sacai x Lacoste: A Collab Worth Revisiting
26/06/2025
I’ve been thinking a lot about how high-fashion collabs can influence the upcycling (a word we don’t identify with, but still use) scene, and the Lacoste x Sacai collab from 2017 is such a nice example.
It was a 15-piece capsule collection that debuted in September of that year, blending Lacoste’s classic tenniswear with Sacai’s signature deconstructive, hybrid design aesthetic.
What I like about it is how it uses a layered approach to merge multiple garments into one, without losing the essence of the original piece. For example, they took the iconic Lacoste polo—collar and all—and reimagined it with pleated skirts, oversized cuts, and mixed textiles.
This wasn’t just about remixing styles for shock value—it was about constructing a new perspective from familiar parts. It shows that upcycling (a word we don’t identify with, but still use) doesn't have to feel too patchworky or improvised. Sacai retained key elements like Lacoste’s familiar structure and branding while introducing completely new silhouettes. Pieces from the collection were sold in places like Colette, Dover Street Market, and select Lacoste/Sacai stockists, and they’re still in demand on secondhand platforms today.
To me, this shows how deconstruction can lead to innovation—and that's a huge takeaway for anyone working in upcycled fashion.