Press room

Ellesse Launch their 2011 Brand Campaign

28 July 2011

Ellesse, the legendary Italian brand synonymous with fashion, lifestyle and sport was born in Perugia, Italy in 1959 and went on to dominate the ski slopes and then tennis courts with its distinctive style and innovative designs. The brand was the realisation of expert tailor Leonardo Servadio, whose passion for skiing inspired him to create revolutionary designs in skiwear throughout the 1960s and 1970s.  The company was named after his initials (LS - ellesse). 

Ohio born Robert McGinnis is known for his illustrations of over 1200 paperback book covers and 40 movie posters, including the famous Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Barbarella posters, and several for James Bond films.  

McGinnis started his career at Walt Disney studios, before completing his fine arts course at Ohio University and then moving on to Dell Publishing where he drew a variety of paperback covers. Later on McGinnis did artwork for several big named US magazines. 

After quieting down since 2005 – McGinnis makes his comeback painting exclusively for ellesse. Both parties are very excited to be working together on a theme of Italian nostalgia. The paintings Robert created for the brand are set in four different locations around Italy. Each painting representing “La Vita ellesse” – the ellesse dolce vita lifestyle of passion, freedom and romance – reviving the brand’s true essence. 

The scenario of the first painting situates itself in a Portofino Tennis Club, a place where beautiful people come to play after a hectic season on the slopes of Cortina. An exclusive Tennis Club and Spa overlooking the Portofino Harbour. Its clay courts are set in the picturesque baroque gardens of a 15th century Villa. 

The summer painting is placed on the Amalfi Coast – at the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. As far as the eye can see along the coast are rows of parasols and beach café’s. Flags flutter in the light breeze and time stands still.  The illustration shows a romantic couple who stopped for a coffee at the beach café before setting off on a new adventure.  

“Rome, the city of dreams” is the location of the third Autumnal-themed painting – six friends cruising the city on their motorcycles with the backdrop of the Colosseum. High spirits and full laughs. As the air is cooling and the days grow shorter - the party season hits town.  

In the last Winter-themed painting, we find ourselves in “Cortina’s Winter Playground”. High up in the Dolomites, a view of the pistes, it’s where the jet set celebrate the first snow fall. Fun, games and après ski are the overriding themes for this final painting. 

The brand campaign is set to launch this coming February 2011, unveiling its first painting in-store and on the brand’s website.