Footwear’s New Flex: Lacoste LightClub Levels Up in Paris With the L003 Neo Shot
Evolution is often considered a slow process, developed in minute, almost imperceptible increments. So, when we’re fortunate enough to witness that long-awaited leap as it happens, it’s truly a sight worth seeing. This was the general sentiment that swept through Paris last week as Lacoste continued adding to arguably its most prolific era with an exhibition celebrating the new L003 Neo Shot sneaker.
Combining specific details that merge its longstanding athletic flair and an affinity for vibrant yet sophisticated design elements, the latest Lacoste sneaker arrives as a semi-metaphoric, semi-literal step into the brand’s future. A future that hopes to redefine how the luxury French clothing brand exists within contemporary culture while doing right by its profound legacy. Under this refreshed creative framework, Lacoste has struck a delicate balance between referential and revolutionary, using mediums like the L003 Neo Shot as vehicles for its continued rejuvenation.
Turning these forward-thinking views into tangible experiences and featured art installations, the brand welcomed one and all from around the world for a multi-disciplinary event that positioned the new sneakers as the symbolic centerpiece of the visionary weekend. Dubbed the “Lacoste LightClub,” the two-day activation was an impressive showcase of art, music, and style, featuring a cast of renowned creatives whose clear, passionate vision helped to effortlessly blend all three disciplines under one neon-lit banner.
On night one, a fleet of ride-share cars traversed down busy Parisian pathways and side streets, delivering exclusive attendees outside Lafayette Anticipations, one of the city’s popular modern art galleries-turned-elevated event space. Walking down the stretching entryway, the opening party manifested as a Lacoste-ladened wonderland, where inspiration abounded on all three levels. Seen on the ground floor were a multitude of flavors and colorways created for the L003 Neo Shot, displaying the variation employed in Lacoste’s future-facing footwear design.
Ascending the ambiently lit staircase, each floor unfolded select installations that explored themes of innovation and light overcoming darkness, an analogy that subtly reflects the new sneaker silhouette’s aspirational ethos. On the second level, works by visual artist Olivier Ratsi and creative studio Jules Gorget focused on immersive experiences, challenging perspectives and perceived obstacles. One floor up housed a light show from the art collective Tundra along with a bespoke piece of performance art from Clara Daguin entitled “From Light to Line,” both seemingly expanding on the notion of bending reality to your will.
Yet the crown jewel came from experimental artist Canyaon, who delivered his own take on the L003 Neo Shot. Taking cues from Lacoste’s deep roots in tennis, “Ace Stitch” is an upcycled iteration of the new shoe, accented with racquets and careful stringing. Accompanied by a matching vest made from the shoe’s mesh uppers, Canyaon’s footwear creation speaks to the artist’s willingness to reinterpret boundaries. “Time passes, and things change,” the artist notes when asked about his custom one-of-one sneaker. “It's important to remember the roots of (Lacoste). These roots will eventually be reinterpreted in a way perfectly suited for the new times. I believe my approach forces people to step outside the box and think much broader.”
While the enigmatic artworks provided intriguing food for thought on evolutionary outlooks, the real show had yet to begin. Back on the main floor, the crowd gathered around a small stage as, one by one, a series of special performances took place for those lucky enough to be in attendance. Beginning with an interpretive waltz choreographed by French movement director Nicolas Huchard, Lacoste kept finding a way to outdo itself. Partnering with German music platform ColorsxStudios, the brand enlisted bubbling music acts Smino, Sienna Spiro, and Jolagreen23 to close out the opening night.
Traveling across the Atlantic for the intimate set, this one-off show resonated deeper for Smino as he recalled his first encounters with Lacoste. “When I was a kid, Lacoste used to be what we would scrap our money together to try to buy,” the St. Louis rapper shares. “They're an OG brand. So, to have them bring me all the way out here to perform. It’s really full circle.”
Carrying that empowering energy into day 2, Lacoste hosted a closed L003 Neo Shot sneaker workshop created and led by Brillantine, followed by a talent panel discussion in the evening for a small group of ambitious minds. Opening the lower exhibits to the public, a custom sneaker bar with live 3D printing highlighted the happenings on the ground floor as everyone got a chance to lose themselves in the exciting and experimental world of Lacoste.
Encapsulating the transformational spirit of the L003 Neo Shot, this Parisian pop-up was only a small taste of the brand’s revitalized outlook. Focused on progression, this is not the Lacoste we all thought we knew. More tailored and willing to push possibilities, what we’re seeing now is, in fact, growth in real time. Even while continuously advancing and creating new conversations, the core of Lacoste has not been lost, as evidenced by the ideology used to inform the L003 Neo Shot’s creation.
Stand back and marvel as the legendary crocodile continues to transform before our very eyes.
Learn more at lacoste.com.
