Our Heritage
Born on the slopes in the 1960s, ellesse was conceived by Leonardo Servadio to merge advanced sports technology with luxurious Italian design. A trailblazer in the field, Servadio applied fine tailoring techniques to modern sportswear, breaking new ground in fashion. From the tailored ski trousers of the '60s to the revolutionary styles that graced tennis courts in the '70s, ellesse has always stood at the intersection of athleticism and fashion.
Our logo, initially an acronym for Leonardo Servadio, 'L&S’, has undergone several evolutions but still sounds and is pronounced as 'LS’. Now, more than ever, we continue to honour our founder's vision by introducing our AW23 Sartoria collection, an ode to Italian tailoring. Featuring Ghanaian superstar Black Sherif and Swiss singer-songwriter Priya Ragu, this groundbreaking campaign accentuates our new brand identity focusing on lifestyle seekers and attainable luxury.
Culture has been at the core of ellesse since its inception. We've collaborated with icons and creatives across disciplines, from a shoppable TikTok concert with Zara Larsson to unforgettable collections with fashion giant Michael Kors. Whether it's sponsoring the world-renowned Tomorrowland Winter music festival or earning accolades for our digital strategies, we stay ahead of the curve.
Our most recent collaborations, including working with Dutch streetwear brand Patta, exemplify our commitment to blending sports culture with high fashion. Our influence extends beyond runways and arenas and shows up in everyday street style.
In line with our heritage, ellesse has been the choice of athletes across decades—from tennis legends like Chris Evert and Guillermo Vilas to contemporary trailblazers like Ryan Peniston and Alfie Hewett. Ryan, a cancer survivor, has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration, not just for us but for an entire generation facing adversity. Meanwhile, Alfie, a leading name in wheelchair tennis, shows us how sports can be empowering and life-changing. Our athletes, like our fashion, are here to redefine boundaries. They stand as a testament to our belief that if you look good, you perform your best. At ellesse, we make sure you do both.
