This February 2010 Assouline is releasing a new book from Olivier Margot (chief editor of French sports daily newspaper L’Equipe) on the world of Lacoste.

“Since the birth of the iconic alligator – the world’s first clothing logo and the symbol of its French tennis-great namesake – in 1933, Lacoste has been nearly synonymous with sport. When champion René Lacoste put his favoured tennis uniform (a white piqué polo shirt) into production for the mass market, it revolutionized the standard stiff and starchy athletic attire, ushering in an era of sport styles that were as comfortable and functional as they were chic.”

Personally i have a thing for Lacoste, as i wore the polo’s in my childhood years and still are a regular item in my current wardrobe.

In a city that has been ravaged by three civil wars since independence we get to witness a cult of elegance that operates along strict guidelines. For the sapeurs of Bacongo, called Le Sape, style is a religion. As we see these men walk the unpaved, garbage-strewn streets of their neighbourhood in their tailored finery one is confronted with a confusion of feelings. Many of Le Sape live in poverty, they have scrimped, saved and hustled in order to acquire clothes which have made them local celebrities. Daniele Tamagni’s made a beautiful pictorial essay called ‘Gentlemen of Bacongo‘. A true classic!

This bulky 708-page Prada book, documents the brand’s meteoric rise to fame in the past decades. It’s divided in two parts, dubbed the inside and the outside. the publication gives an insight into the company’s history, design and creative processes and provides an overview of Miuccia Prada’s contributions and influence on pop culture, advertising, commerce and architecture. the book is available at Prada flagship stores and selected bookstores across the planet.

Margiela presents us with a 400-page book, with exclusive photo’s and documents revealing the secrets of this Belgian fashion avant-garde. The book even consists of personal letters from best friends such as; Jean Paul Gaultier & Carine Roitfeld.

For only 67,- euro’s you’ll be a proud and very fashionable owner.