The Lacoste brand has taken quite a pummeling this autumn when they had to request that Norwegian mass killer Anders Breivik stop wearing their clothes, but are attempting to bounce back with their partnership with Cool Cats to create the Lacoste Cool Cats Live Capsule Line. Instant cool cred is unsurprisingly expected by teaming up with the infamous Cool Cats, the clothing production line of Ed Banger that is best known as the French electro music production company of groups like Daft Punk, Justice Sebastian, Uffie and others. However, is it enough? Even before the free Norwegian Killer branding, the brand has struggled to maintain its preppy image, seen instead as a label worn by popped-collar highschool kids or Jersey Shore types.
The designs are funky and well adapted though, made by DJ and iconic graphic designer So-Me, using the signature Cool Cats symbol seen with his tongue as the Lacoste gator. What has stroked my heart strings though is the minimalist black polo with the gator menacingly opposing the sleeping cat. This is the first time Cool Cats has teamed up to design a whole line for another company and it does well with Stadium jackets, polo shirts, sweaters, cardigans, shirts, bag and even sneakers, helping piggy back the struggling brand into the hearts of those relevant 20-somethings.
In any case, Lacoste is headed in the right direction for reinvention. If there is any brand notorious for its midas touch, it’s Cool Cats, which is why the Lacoste Cool Cats Live Capsule Line is a slice of gold.
Photos and designs copy right So Me.
Prep-Electro Branding
Lacoste x Ed Banger for Lacoste Cool Cats Live Capsule Line
Trend Themes
1. Lacoste Cool Cats Live Capsule Line - A successful partnership between the preppy Lacoste brand and the edgy Cool Cats clothing production line has potential for similar collaborations in the fashion industry.
2. Brand Reinvention Through Creative Partnerships - Collaborations between established brands and niche industry players could be the key to revitalizing struggling brands.
3. Minimalist Designs - The popularity of minimalist designs, such as the black polo with the Lacoste gator and Cool Cats sleeping cat, in fashion and other industries will continue to rise.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can stay competitive by creating unique collaborations that appeal to diverse markets.
2. Graphic Design - Opportunities exist for innovative graphic designers to create unique designs that disrupt traditional branding in various industries.
3. Music Production/entertainment - The successful collaborative efforts between Lacoste and Cool Cats suggest that brands in the music production and entertainment industries can benefit from strategic partnerships.