Lacoste

NEW YORK, February 2, 2008
By Meenal Mistry
A sheepskin runway and a soft snowfall set the stage for Christophe Lemaire's ski extravaganza. The collection was inspired by Megève, the Alpine resort popularized in the twenties by the Baronne Noémie de Rothschild, who was fed up with the crowding at St. Moritz. Lemaire began on a quietly glamorous note with sportif separates in creams and dove grays, all invitingly bundled in giant scarves and finished with high-heeled hiking boots. The off-slope wear that followed was similarly smart, energetic, and fresh-scrubbed in a way that did justice to Lacoste's high-preppy past. And just when you thought you might be lulled into a cozy doze by all the tasteful navy, loden, and gray, jolts of color arrived to the après-ski party in short sherbet-striped dresses, Day-Glo jackets, and long socks worn disco nights-style over tight jeans. Lemaire turned the funk up to 11 with flourishes of Rasta-chic red and gold. "Don't ask me why!" he said, when asked backstage for an explanation. Well, this label is about fun, pure and simple…and fun doesn't always need a reason.