Back in September 2021, French sportswear brand Lacoste launched its take on the classic court sneaker. Reimagined in a fresh, new design, the unisex L001 brings together a plush, pebbled leather with minimal detailing for everyday wearability. This season, the L001 hits the shelves in alternative colorways, and this time is accompanied by the new L002 silhouette. With a leather and suede upper, supported by a mesh lining and chunky outsole, the L002 is the latest silhouette by the brand exclusively for women.

The L001 and L002 sneakers exemplify Lacoste’s constant interpretation of its intrinsic to tennis culture identity. Through weaving its recognizable court style with a contemporary edge, Lacoste remains future-facing while honoring its past. Today, it continues to develop footwear that speaks to its growing audience of wearers beyond just tennis enthusiasts. In the inspiring feature campaign, HYPEBEAST taps into the cultures and communities who have championed the brand throughout the years, celebrating the life and history that Lacoste embodies.

From different walks of life, we meet four communities who are united in their shared passion for what they do day-to-day. As they collide cultures, these creative individuals explore a life in someone else’s shoes, encountering new passions and pastimes. The DIY arts and music collective NiNE8 feature in the campaign with the essentials that drive their creativity: decks and sneakers. They share how their group is an inclusive base for creatives like them, “The idea of having a creative community, where you come and be yourself and create and inspire each other. That’s us.”

Exchanging music for body movements, NiNE8 swap roles with dance collective Damn Fine Dance Academy who also feel the most free to express their individuality when surrounded by their community. “Dancing is life” says the dance group joyfully. “The real benefit of the community is the people, we can trust to work together creatively and we know that we’re going to respect each other and be kind to each other as well.” Making way for their colorful personalities, the group stomp and sway across the set in the L001 sneaker – a classic and understated silhouette that boasts ultimate versatility.

Meanwhile tennis coach Arum Akom finds community spirit in the students he teaches saying, “I just want to keep giving back to the locals in my area, that’s something that I’m very passionate about.” For Arum, the court is where he lets loose saying, “Some people might go to the gym, some people might do boxing, but for me, it’s always been the tennis court. Anytime I get on the court, it’s the best feeling in the world.” It is a sensation that experimental florist Harriet Parry commonly feels when she often wanders through nature.

After reaching for her springing blooms in her pink accented L002 court sneaker, she swaps the trimmer for the tennis racket saying, “I think the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to always be true to yourself. Try not to compare yourself to other people and trust in your creativity, and then with that sort of confidence and trust within yourself, well you don’t know where that’s going to take you.”

Through the powerful experience of switching roles, these communities are left enriched with new sources of inspiration, alternative ways of expression and an understanding of what it means to be part of other cultures. They come together unified in passion for what they do and the hobbies that liberate them. With the everyday L001 and L002 sneakers, these talented creatives can continue to express themselves in new, unique ways with ease, comfort and versatile styling.

Explore the full editorial campaign in the galleries above. The Lacoste L001 and L002 sneakers are available to buy now on the brand’s website retailing from £90 GBP (approx. $118 USD).