Benjamin Platret, the lead music curator at Libreville Editions and creator of the Lacoste French Play playlist, reflects on this special-edition vinyl release. The record is now available in limited quantities at Café Lacoste in Paris.

1 — What story does Lacoste French Play tell?

Benjamin Platret: The idea behind this vinyl is to take you somewhere. The compilation was conceived as a journey into a distinct universe. It’s retro yet modern, joyful and rhythmic, poetic, playful, light… the tracks move effortlessly between moods. It’s immersive — and full of surprises.

2 — What kind of tracks can we expect to hear?

B.P.: The overarching theme is a sense of musical travel, expressed through a spectrum of tones. Some tracks evoke the feeling of a season; others are more immediate, more sun-drenched. There’s hip-hop, too, and French artists whose slightly irreverent, offbeat spirit naturally echoes the brand’s style.

3 — What were the selection criteria?

B.P.: There were two. First, a subtle nod to Lacoste — whether through a track title, an artist’s name, a lyric, or an explicit reference to tennis, golf, or the crocodile. Second, a musical sensibility that resonates with the Lacoste universe.

4 — What steps were involved in shaping the final playlist?

B.P.: The research and final selection process was fairly intense. I began with 5,000 tracks that already met many of the criteria, then refined them into a carefully curated shortlist over the course of two months.

5 — Why do you think vinyl is making a comeback?

B.P.: In a world where everything is dematerialised, I think we feel the need to own something tangible. Despite the evolution of formats, vinyl has endured because it creates a very different relationship with music. When you place a record on a turntable and lower the needle, it’s not passive. You’re not simply receiving the music — you’re activating it. It’s a commitment to listening. And beyond the music, the vinyl is an object — one that offers space to tell a story visually, too.

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