Tim Hamilton – FAB. Lacoste – hmmm. So went my initial reaction to the latest in a slew of collaborations I’ve been nattering on about in recent weeks, namely – LACOSTE Legends x Tim Hamilton.
Tim Hamilton, being, in my opinion, the most exciting designer working in NY menswear at the moment, naturally inspires a slight gasp of girlish excitement any time I see his name. Lacoste, on the other hand, is hit and miss in that it’s a sportswear brand (tennis shoes and polos can only intrigue you for so long), but also – and contrastingly – in that I’m transported by their ad campaigns (as if I, too, were levitating, whilst wearing brilliant whites and a toothy grin that screams joie de vivre) and the brand itself, being so storied and that.
Anyway, LACOSTE Legends is all about bringing together 12 legendary collaborators from the different worlds of music, media, design and retail, to create an exclusive collection of 12 shoes, with each designer invited to re-interpret an existing Lacoste footwear style.
Tim Hamilton has chosen to give the classic and unmistakably French (trés simple et trés chic) 1963 René Lacoste style a thoroughly modern makeover…
^ Re-release of the original 1963 René Lacoste tennis shoe
…and he’s not come up short. In keeping with the mantra for his own diffusion line ‘Redux‘ (which is something along the lines of form plus function), Hamilton has transformed the originals into high-ankle military boots and has given his version a coated finish to intensify the colour.
^ LACOSTE Legends x Tim Hamilton
^ The shoes at work during Hamilton’s ‘Redux’ SS11 presentation
I know there are obvious parallels to Converse to be made here, but I’d take these any day if only for their Hamilton connection. What about you…?
EDIT
And, just in case you didn’t quite gather just to what an extent I fawn over Hamilton’s work, then here’s some fan-boy love, courtesy of the latest drop at OKI-NI…
^ Tim Hamilton ‘Redux’ Varsity Jacket – £520.00 – 100% wool body for permanent cosiness and pewter patent sleeves to add the signature Hamilton edge. Oh, and there’s a 100% cotton lining, too – they’re few and far between these days.
Top image from 24teeth.com
Have to say I wouldnt be mad on the runners (and I'm pretty much an addict!). That said, I would love to get my hands on the jacket, swoon!
Darren: Yeah the jacket just needs to its way into my wardrobe some time soon!C.
Loving lacoste just now!Always enjoy your articles.Keep up the good work!
I need to score me some of those Tim Hamilton runners! Seriously, they are freaking MAJOR! I'm usually not one for high-top-ish shoes but these badboys are too ill to pass up!http://www.RGRATZVM.com
ohhhhh…… I want a pait of the black boots. going to try and find a pair soon.
I am certain that you and I are the biggest Tim Hamilton fans EVER! I went to the sample sale and nearly bust a blood vessel! I LOVE HIS WORK!
i got it and i love it.