The Plaza New York has partnered with French fashion brand Lacoste to launch a tennis-inspired afternoon tea that transforms the hotel's Palm Court with vintage rackets invented by tennis legend René Lacoste himself. Olivia Palamountain reports

The limited-time Lacoste x The Plaza collaboration, running from August 13 to September 10, coincides with New York's tennis season and features menu items with playful tennis references.

The menu includes creations such as "The Court Side Cucumber" sandwiches, "Le 'Croc' Monsieur" - a French Croque Monsieur variation referencing Lacoste's crocodile logo - and "Game. Set. Citrus." lemon cake alongside "Earl Grey Tea Break Macarons."

The centrepiece dessert, "Le Crocodile," represents Lacoste's signature pistachio entremets from their newly launched Le Café Lacoste concept.

The experience transforms the space with original vintage rackets designed by René Lacoste, the tennis champion who founded the fashion brand in 1933. The Palm Court's famous stained-glass dome will be illuminated in Lacoste green, whilst curated music aims to recreate a courtside atmosphere. Prices for the tea begin at US$145.
Sam Ioannidis, managing director at The Plaza Hotel, says: "The Plaza has always embraced the moments that energise New York, and with tennis season around the corner, it's the perfect time to celebrate the sport by serving up a fresh take on Afternoon Tea. Partnering with Lacoste - a brand that shares our commitment to quality, style, and experience - allows us to offer something memorable for guests and locals alike."
The offering includes specialty teas, champagnes, and what the hotel describes as "C(r)ocktails," served within the Palm Court's opulent surroundings at Fifth Avenue and Central Park. The venue's historic significance as a meeting place for New York society provides an appropriate setting for the fashion-hospitality crossover.The partnership demonstrates how luxury hotels are increasingly collaborating with fashion brands to create limited-time experiences that extend beyond traditional hospitality offerings.