French fashion label Lacoste has teamed up with quadruple amputee swimmer Théo Curin to create the first-ever collection to bear the name of a disabled athlete, targeting both the able bodied and the disabled. Until now, this privilege was only reserved for able-bodied athletes.
“The new Théo Curin line underlines Lacoste’s desire to push the boundaries of fashion and sport,” explains the label. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with Théo on this unique project – he is an inspiration to all of us and his enthusiasm and determination have propelled us to new creative heights,” said Lacoste’s Creative Director Louise Trotter in a statement.
Together, Curin, Trotter and their teams designed a universal wardrobe that is inspired by the life of the exceptional athlete, from the logo to every single element.
The result is the Théo Curin collection, consisting of a polo shirt, a sleeveless parka, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt and a cap. The T-shirt, which is available in the color combinations white/dark blue and light blue/dark blue, bears the athlete’s mottos on the hem: “Realize your dream”, “Keep smiling” and “Your difference is a strength”.
“The fact that a brand like Lacoste has asked me to set up such a collaboration shows that things are moving in the right direction. I liked that I was involved in every step of the design: choosing the products, colors, customization and so on, and also that it’s a universal collection. I’m very proud of that,” says Curin.
In addition to the stylistic elements, special features have been incorporated into the design, for example buttons have been replaced by press studs or straps have been added so that sleeves can be easily rolled up.
In order to capture this creative process in pictures, the creative agency BETC accompanied Curin for a year, from preparing for the successfully mastered challenge of swimming across Lake Titicaca to designing his collection.
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“This attention to detail, inspired by Curin’s everyday life and developed in collaboration with Louise Trotter, makes these garments easier for people with disabilities to use without sacrificing Lacoste’s signature style and elegance. This meeting of aesthetics and practicality allows people with and without disabilities to come together in this exceptional collection,” concludes Lacoste.
The Théo Curin collection is available from this month through the brand’s official website and stores. Prices range from 70 euros for a cap or 75 euros for a t-shirt to 160 euros for a sweatshirt or 240 euros for a sleeveless parka.
