| Born in 1904, to a wealthy family, Rene Lacoste was a | | | | Lacoste is probably most famous for his polo shirt |
| man of many talents. This well known, French, tennis | | | | among the wide assortment of Lacoste clothing |
| player was best known for his aggressiveness, both | | | | offered. In 1933, he and longtime friend, Andre Giller, |
| on and off the court. (Because of this, his fans aptly | | | | founded La Société Chemise Lacoste |
| nicknamed him "the crocodile".) | | | | in order to produce and market a tennis shirt line, which |
| It is interesting to note, that Rene did not play his first | | | | featured their now famous crocodile embrodiered on |
| game of tennis until the age of 15. In the beginning, he | | | | the chest. |
| was far from being "a natural", at the sport. At the | | | | Those familiar with the history of the fashion industry |
| time, his father issued an ultimatum, of sorts. He | | | | will tell you that this Lacoste logo of a crocodile is |
| promised Rene that in exchange for becoming a world | | | | probably the first instance of a "designer logo", to be |
| champion tennis player, within five years time, he would | | | | featured on any piece of clothing. |
| then allow him to choose and pursue whatever career | | | | Being somewhat of an inventor, he also gained |
| goals he wanted. | | | | additional fame by patenting the first ever tennis |
| During the late 1920s and early 1930s he more or less | | | | racket, constructed of tubular steel. This was done in |
| dominated the game...winning many grand slam titles, in | | | | 1963. Tennis star, Jimmy Connors, was among the first |
| various international tournaments. He was the world's | | | | of many players to use this innovative piece of |
| number one tennis player, in 1926 and 1927, as well. | | | | equipment. Prior to that time, tennis rackets were |
| He was a member, of the Four Musketeers. Playing | | | | constructed predominantly of wood. |
| alongside Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon and Henri | | | | In 1997, in an autobiography written by fellow player |
| Cochet, Rene helped to win eight French singles titles, | | | | and longtime tennis promoter, Jack Kramer, Rene was |
| six Wimbledon matches and six Davis Cups. These | | | | listed among his top 21 greatest tennis players, of all |
| were all consecutive triumphs, covering a nine-year | | | | time. |
| span. | | | | Lacoste was married, to French born golf champion, |
| Unfortunately, respiratory illness forced him to abandon | | | | Simone Thion de la Chaume. They had one daughter |
| his tennis career, at the young age of 25. He played | | | | and three sons. He died in France, at the age of 92. His |
| his last match, in 1929. Little did he know, great things | | | | legacy of the crocodile lives on! |
| were yet to come. | | | | |