Lacoste Brings AW26 'Washed Out Match' to Shanghai

Lacoste has taken its autumn/winter 2026 collection to Shanghai, presenting it at Guangfulin Park on 22 October. The collection, titled ‘Washed Out Match, Reimagined’, was first unveiled at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris in March. This marks the first time a full runway collection has been shown outside Paris since Pelagia Kolotouros became creative director. The event also featured a capsule collection designed with Chinese actor and singer Wang Yibo, a global ambassador for Lacoste since 2024. Through a ‘see now, buy now’ initiative, selected pieces were available for purchase during the show, which was livestreamed.

Rain as a starting point

The collection draws inspiration from a tennis match played by founder René Lacoste in 1923, which was interrupted by rain. It focuses on the spectators in the stands and the clothing they reached for to protect themselves from the weather. Lacoste reworks familiar pieces with technical materials: trench coats are transformed into poncho polos, laminated technical wool is paired with transparent nylon, and velvet appears alongside the brand’s René blazer. The collection also includes a collaboration with Scottish outerwear label Mackintosh, featuring water-repellent tracksuits, pleated trench skirts and hybrid shirt jackets.

A stellar front row

Guests at the show included global ambassadors Wang Yibo and Taylor Zakhar Perez, as well as Nicole Scherzinger, Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Zhu Zhu. The event underscored Lacoste’s growing international footprint and its commitment to blending heritage with contemporary design.

The Wang Yibo capsule

Wang Yibo’s capsule collection brought a personal touch to the runway, reflecting his influence as a global ambassador. The ‘see now, buy now’ model allowed attendees and viewers to immediately purchase selected pieces, bridging the gap between the runway and retail.

Technical innovation meets heritage

The use of technical fabrics and innovative silhouettes demonstrates Lacoste’s ability to adapt its sportswear heritage to modern demands. The collaboration with Mackintosh adds a layer of functional luxury, with water-repellent materials and hybrid designs that are both practical and stylish.

A global stage for Lacoste

Showing in Shanghai signals Lacoste’s intention to engage with the Asian market and showcase its collections on a global stage. The livestream and immediate purchase options reflect a forward-thinking approach to fashion shows, making them accessible to a wider audience.

With this show, Lacoste continues to honour its sporting roots while pushing the boundaries of design and retail innovation.