Lacoste and Crocodile are two different brands that new members of the fashion elite often confuse. Both brands are popular, particularly for the logo controversy feud that went on between them for a few years. We will talk more about this controversy, but the important thing to know is that they have settled it. Thus, if you need a good fashion brand to invest in, both brands are worth the investment – depending on your needs.
This article expounds on different facets of the Crocodile and Lacoste brands, comparing them with one another. The goal is to provide sufficient information to help you make a decision you will not regret later. When deciding between two brands, you want to consider what you’re looking for, why, and the needs you want to be served. Keep reading as we compare Lacoste and Crocodile brands to choose the brand that suits you best.
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Lacoste vs. Crocodile: Which Is Older?
Lacoste is many decades older than Crocodile and, therefore, has more experience, technical speaking, in the fashion business. The late Dr. Chan Shun founded the Crocodile brand in 1952 as a textile and garments company in Hong Kong.
He learned how to sew and fix sewing machines when he was still very young, using the earnings to sponsor himself. The brand’s initial name was Li Wah Man Shirt Factory, which Chan introduced to fulfill his desire for tough and luxurious products.
Dr. Chan retired in 1970, after which his children took over. In 1971, the brand was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the first time and sold to Lai Sun in 1987. The Crocodile brand started as a dress shirts brand before widening its horizon and becoming Hong Kong’s largest chain garment store. Crocodile partnered with Lacoste in 1980 but lost over 70% of its value between 2015 and 2020.
Rene Lacoste and Andre Gillier founded the Lacoste brand in 1933; it was the first brand to put a logo on its clothing. They focused on producing tennis wear; by 1950, the clothing lines had been exported worldwide.
This same year, the brand created the children’s line, heralding the birth of a trans-generational icon. The Lacoste brand is defined by its sporting spirit, which still guides its collections choices and commitment to society.
The Lacoste fragrance line began in 1968 and continued creating new lines of exquisite accessories, including the eyewear line. Lacoste, through collaboration with Sogedi and Maison Hamon, launched its first line of leather goods, including belts, sports bags, and luggage, in 1981. It inaugurated its first casual footwear in 1991, its watches in 1994, and the Lacoste Foundation in 2006.
Are Lacoste and Crocodile The Same Brand?
Since both brands use the crocodile logo, it is very easy to mix them up. However, Lacoste and Crocodile are two very distinct brands, and the use of the same logo was a problem. Crocodile and Lacoste had a long-standing dispute over the logo and clothing lines, which dragged on for a few years. The Lacoste brand registered its trademark in China in 1980 when it gave Crocodile exclusive rights to sell its items.
However, Crocodile registered the same trademark in New Zealand in 1998, which drew a lawsuit from Lacoste; Lacoste won. The fight over logo rights in China continued into 2003, when they reached a compromise. According to Lacoste, their agreement didn’t include crocodiles using a similar logo outside Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Crocodile argued in 2008 that Lacoste hadn’t utilized the crocodile logo for about three years and should have their trademark revoked.
In 2003, Crocodile agreed to change its logo, giving it more scales and a more vertical tail. Crocodile won the case in 2013 on the right to appeal the trademark appeal in New Zealand. In 2017, the New Zealand Supreme Court denied Lacoste’s request to have exclusive rights to the Crocodile. That is on the basis that the countries where the French fashion company commercializes its product do not include New Zealand.
Is Crocodile Any Good?
Despite the controversies and accusations of copying Lacoste, Crocodile does make good-quality products. The brand has an uncompromising, progressive, and excellent quality level that rightly demonstrates the brand’s spirit. The level of Crocodile’s quality makes it one of the best and most favorable fashion brands in Macau, Mainland China, and Hong Kong. The brand draws its inspiration from the needs of travelers, creating designs with the Urban Traveler concept.
Crocodile is a good brand to invest in if you need good-quality fashion pieces; they’ll make a great addition to your wardrobe. Furthermore, the Crocodile brand aims to pursue a philosophy of consistent and continuous improvement in corporate social responsibility. Like the Lacoste brand, it is also committed to the task of giving back to the community. Additionally, the Crocodile brand has supported several communities and charitable activities, making it a valuable asset to the world.
Crocodile is undoubtedly one of the best sportswear brands globally, with growing popularity and sales in the last decade. Apart from outshining its rivals, the Crocodile brand has also low-key made Lacoste a well-known brand globally.
Lacoste vs. Crocodile: How Are They Different?
Lacoste and Crocodile are great brands immersed in the fashion business, with similar styles and logos. One thing they both have in common is that they have great appeal and have established a future for themselves. Crocodile, however, has altered its logo in that where the Crocodile faces right in Lacoste, it faces left in Crocodile. Additionally, the Lacoste logo is one of the world’s most iconic logos, featuring a glossy green and bright blue color.
The crocodile logo featured on Lacoste and Crocodile products symbolizes wealth, quality, and timelessness. Moreover, where Lacoste is a French brand based with headquarters in Troyes, Crocodile is an Asian brand based in Hong Kong.
Conclusion
Lacoste is a French brand, while Crocodile is a Hong Kong brand; both brands are similar in colors, style, and logo. The Crocodile brand started as a fashion retail company with exclusive rights to sell Lacoste items. It expanded, registering its trademark, which warranted a lawsuit from Lacoste; both brands are also given to community development. Considering these astounding similarities, your preference, lifestyle, and personality will aid this decision at the end of the day.