Advantage: Style ! Why the Tennis Aesthetic is Winning the Season
The upcoming return of Roland Garros (May 18th to June 7th) serves as more than just a major sporting milestone; it is the annual pretext for a global resurgence of the “tennis club” aesthetic.
This style is an invincible cultural force, rooted in a disciplined balance of athletic rigor and effortless polish that refuses to fade. Unlike the transient nature of most “cores,” tennis style is built on a foundation of permanence, clean whites, sharp collars, and a visual language of structured leisure that feels just as relevant on a Parisian boulevard as it does on red clay. The enduring fantasy of this look lies in its ability to offer a sense of order and “politesse” in an increasingly chaotic fashion landscape, proving that true elegance never really retires.
The Atmospheric Archive: Pelagia Kolotouros for Lacoste
At Lacoste, the current mastery of this heritage is being led by Creative Director Pelagia Kolotouros, who treats the house archive as a living, breathing organism. Her recent collections have reclaimed the brand’s soul by returning to its literal birthplace, often drawing inspiration from the atmospheric memory of René Lacoste’s matches in the 1920s. By staging her runway on the Philippe Chatrier court, Kolotouros has introduced a “tech-heritage” vocabulary that moves far beyond the standard polo shirt. She utilizes pleated trench skirts and waterproof poncho-polos rendered in a palette of agave green and a rusty red that mirrors the tournament’s iconic clay. The revival of the Lenglen bag, modernized with contemporary silicon textures, serves as a perfect bridge between the era of Suzanne Lenglen’s effortless grace and the high-speed requirements of a modern wardrobe.
The Soul of the Comeback: Le Coq Sportif and the Art of Savoir-Être
Parallel to this evolution is the remarkable resurgence of Le Coq Sportif, a brand forever etched into the French psyche by Yannick Noah’s legendary 1983 victory, the last time a Frenchman lifted the trophy at Roland Garros. This return to the limelight is being guided by the visionary Pascal Monfort, whose appointment as design lead marks a significant turning point toward “athluxury.” Monfort is tasked with translating the brand’s championship DNA for a contemporary audience that craves authenticity and emotional resonance. By focusing on the “savoir-être” of the French spirit: chic, effortless, and fundamentally grounded in history, Le Coq Sportif is reclaiming its status as a cornerstone of the Gallic wardrobe. It is a reminder that tennis fashion is at its most powerful when it is rooted in real human stories and moments of national triumph.
The Idealist Vision of Casablanca Paris
No brand has done more to turn the tennis court into a high-fashion dreamscape than Casablanca Paris. Founded by Charaf Tajer, the label is a vivid embodiment of “leisurewear meets high-fashion,” blending Tajer’s dual French-Moroccan heritage into a world of “idealist” tennis club style. Casablanca moves beyond simple sportswear, utilizing rich silk shirting, vibrant terry cloth, and powerful color palettes to evoke a sense of eternal, sun-drenched summer. Tajer’s vision is one of self-confidence and beauty, where accentuated fresh tennis whites are paired with pastel pops and architectural prints, positioning the brand as a leader in the new wave of classic French luxury.
Courtside Couture: The Women Who Transformed the Game
The evolution of tennis style has been profoundly shaped by female athletes who transformed the court into a personal runway, challenging traditional dress codes with exceptional creativity. Serena Williams famously redefined tennis fashion through her collaboration with Virgil Abloh and Off-White, most notably with the “Queen” collection for the 2018 US Open, which featured a striking periwinkle tutu dress that merged high-performance mesh with layers of tulle. Similarly, Naomi Osaka has consistently pushed the boundaries of “sports-inspired couture,” recently debuting a Robert Wun-designed kit at the 2026 Australian Open that featured a show-stopping white wide-brimmed hat, long veil, and ruffled pants modeled after a jellyfish. Osaka, who is also a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton, exemplifies how modern champions use fashion to express their culture and personality, proving that the court is a vital stage for both athletic and aesthetic excellence.
Democratizing the Club from the High Street Up
The true strength of the tennis aesthetic is its versatility, a fact proven by its seamless move from elite locker rooms to the accessible aisles of the high street. Monoprix has mastered this democratization, frequently releasing creator-led collections that capture the “sophisticated nomadism” of the tennis world for the everyday wardrobe. By designing clothes that balance functional design with a touch of pictoral flair, Monoprix ensures that the “country club” look is a staple of French daily life rather than a gated privilege. This widespread appeal is further bolstered by official Roland Garros lifestyle lines and heritage collaborations, ensuring that as long as there is red clay, there will be a global desire to dress for the occasion.
Tennis Club by Monoprix