What animal is featured on the Lacoste logo?

Crocodile.

The Lacoste logo, one of the most recognizable brand symbols in the world of fashion, features a green crocodile. This iconic logo has an interesting history that is deeply intertwined with the brand’s founder, René Lacoste, a renowned French tennis player.

René Lacoste was a dominant tennis player in the late 1920s and early 1930s, known for his tenacity on the tennis court. His aggressive playing style earned him the nickname “the Crocodile,” a moniker that would later inspire the famous logo. There are various stories about how this nickname came about. One popular account suggests that it stemmed from a bet Lacoste made with the captain of the French Davis Cup team, where the prize was a crocodile-skin suitcase he coveted. This story, whether true or apocryphal, certainly captures the spirit of the man and the era.

The choice of a crocodile as the logo was not only symbolic of Lacoste’s nickname but also represented a departure from the more conservative emblems typically associated with clothing brands at the time. The crocodile was initially embroidered on the blazer Lacoste wore on the tennis court, making a statement of individuality and confidence.

In 1933, when René Lacoste partnered with André Gillier to produce and sell what would become the famous Lacoste polo shirt, the logo was prominently displayed on the outside of the shirts. This was a groundbreaking move at the time, as logos were usually sewn into the label inside the clothing. The embroidered green crocodile became synonymous with the brand’s identity, representing not just the sporty origins of the company but also a certain prestige, quality, and distinctiveness.

The Lacoste crocodile logo was one of the first instances of a brand being visibly associated with a logo on a garment, paving the way for future trends in fashion branding. The logo’s simplicity, combined with its historical and personal significance, has helped it endure through the decades. It stands not just for a brand, but for a legacy of sporting excellence and innovation.

The Lacoste logo has undergone minor changes over the years, but the fundamental design has remained consistent. The green crocodile is always depicted in a side profile, with its mouth slightly open, and is usually positioned above the heart on the left side of Lacoste garments. This strategic placement further emphasizes the logo’s importance and recognition.

Today, the Lacoste crocodile is more than just a logo; it is a cultural icon. It represents a blend of sports heritage, French elegance, and timeless style. The logo’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the powerful association with the brand’s founder. From sports fields to fashion runways, the Lacoste crocodile continues to be a symbol of quality, sophistication, and the enduring legacy of its founder, René Lacoste.