Did you catch the Lacoste Spring / Summer 2016 show this morning?
Baptista chose the theme of flags for Spring, channeling the victorious moment an Olympian is draped in his or her country’s flag upon winning gold. He abstracted, fragmented, and recombined any number of national banners—French, Swiss, Japanese, American—any number of ways, across shirts, tanks, shorts, jackets (often tied around the waist), ponchos, and otherwise simple suits. Against that kind of kaleidoscope, an all-silver jumpsuit—alluding to those shiny blankets athletes wear for warmth—stood out all the more. The closing looks, with their jumble of stars and stripes all jostling for attention, couldn’t have made a more provocative statement without crossing over into trite rainbow territory. “Ultimately,” said Baptista, “it’s about peace and diversity.” I am truly amazed at Baptista’s wonderful transformation of sportswear into high fashion!
