The History Behind Lacoste's Lenglen Bag

So, you love tennis. Every weekend, you and the girls grab a matcha and hit the Holland Park courts for a round of Champs and Chumps. Your wardrobe? Immaculate. You were serving tenniscore long before 2020 made pleated skirts a thing, and now, thanks to Challengers, you’re practically Zendaya. But translating that effortless, sporty elegance into everyday fashion? Tricky. A well-placed polo, the right pair of trainers—easy. But the perfect handbag? Still MIA.

Well, it’s like Lacoste was listening. Enter the Leglen—a pleated leather bag inspired by none other than tennis’ iconic skirt. Equal parts sporty and sophisticated, it’s the perfect match for your life, seamlessly volleying between the office and court-side.

Named after Suzanne Lenglen, this bag pays tribute to the trailblazing tennis star who redefined court fashion. Picture this: it’s the early 1910s, and players are practically drowning in corsets and petticoats, gasping for breath between rallies. Then came Lenglen. By 1919, she’d had enough of The All England Club’s stiff dress codes, stepping onto the court in a low-cut dress and rolled-down stockings. Scandal? Absolutely. Icon status? Secured.

With a severe bob and brazen red lipstick, Lenglen would sip brandy from a hip flask between sets, floating through each game with an effortless ease that only comes from being mildly inebriated. Combined with her undone look, she was the height of scandal. Lenglen was not one for compromise though: when officials banned the brandy, she had her father throw cognac soaked sugar cubes from the stand. 

35 years after her death, Lacoste honoured Suzanne with a fresh design - a sleek V-neck dress with contrast piping and, of course, plenty of pleats. It credited the look that cemented her legacy, and now, with the pleated Leglen bag, you can channel that same effortless elegance. Holland Park courts won’t know what’s hit them.