Ellesse | Andrew Garfield Embraces Italian Culture as New Ambassador: “Do It Like An Italian”

In a moment that feels both inevitable and inspired, Italian sportswear heritage label ellesse has appointed acclaimed actor Andrew Garfield as its new global ambassador for the vibrant “Do It Like An Italian” campaign. Launched in June 2026, the multi-chapter narrative—shot by British photographer and filmmaker Oliver Hadlee Pearch—captures Garfield’s transformation from quintessentially British restraint into an honorary Italian, full of expressive joy, effortless style, and playful charisma. The campaign celebrates ellesse’s foundational belief that sport is not merely performance but a way of living, expressing, and savoring life.

This partnership marks a fresh chapter for the brand, blending its rich 1960s–’90s tennis and ski archives with contemporary relevance. Through candid, character-driven storytelling, Pearch’s lens reveals unguarded moments of Garfield navigating language, movement, and personal style—infusing high fashion with subtle humor and cultural warmth. The result is sophisticated yet approachable: a love letter to Italian spirit that resonates globally.

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Founded on June 19, 1959, in Perugia, Umbria, by tailor Leonardo “Mantis” Servadio, ellesse emerged from a simple yet revolutionary idea: sportswear should marry technical innovation with elevated Italian design and tailoring. The brand name derives from Servadio’s initials—“L.S.”—pronounced in Italian as “elle-esse.” Starting with tailored ski trousers that prioritized both performance and elegance, Servadio applied his sartorial expertise to create garments that made athletes look and feel their best

By the 1970s, ellesse had conquered tennis courts. Iconic pieces graced stars like Chris Evert during her Wimbledon triumphs, while the brand pioneered visible logos and bold color-blocking. The Semi-Palla emblem—a stylized ball motif—became synonymous with Italian flair in sport. From padded ski pants to revolutionary tennis silhouettes, ellesse consistently blurred the lines between athletic functionality and everyday fashion. Today, under new creative direction, the brand revives these archives while pushing forward with modern collections that honor its heritage of joy, confidence, and individuality.

ellesse Is More: The Story of the Semi-Palla – Feature

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Known for his thoughtful, introspective roles in films like Tick, Tick… Boom!, The Social Network, and Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield brings a distinctly British-American charm to the campaign. His understated elegance and intellectual depth provide the ideal counterpoint to ellesse’s exuberant Italian identity. “Not Italian. Not yet,” the campaign playfully declares, as Garfield embarks on a humorous journey to embrace la dolce vita.

Garfield’s selection feels natural. His genuine curiosity, warmth, and physical expressiveness align perfectly with ellesse’s ethos. In Pearch’s cinematic frames, we see him lean into Italian gestures, pronunciation lessons, and relaxed confidence—transforming with humor and authenticity. This narrative arc celebrates cultural exchange, showing how style, sport, and attitude transcend borders.

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The campaign opens with “Say It Like An Italian,” a delightful immersion into ellesse’s 1980s and 1990s archives. Garfield studies iconic silhouettes, bold color palettes, and the enduring Semi-Palla emblem while mastering pronunciation of both the brand name and quintessential Italian phrases. Guided by an off-screen Italian coach, he practices hand gestures and rhythmic delivery, turning language lessons into comedic yet endearing vignettes.

Pearch’s direction shines here: crisp, character-focused imagery blends archival pieces with Garfield’s modern presence. Viewers witness the actor in vintage-inspired tracksuits and polos, his British restraint gradually melting into expressive Italian warmth. This chapter reaffirms ellesse’s DNA—tailoring, color confidence, and unapologetic personality—while inviting audiences to “say it” with pride.

Ellesse Men’s Glisent Retro 80s T-shirt Sport Tee Semi-Palla 

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Subsequent chapters expand the narrative. “Play It Like An Italian” transforms the tennis court into a stage for fluid, expressive movement. Garfield channels the passion and artistry of Italian athletes, blending athletic grace with theatrical flair. The campaign highlights ellesse’s tennis heritage—from Chris Evert’s era to today’s modern activewear—emphasizing that sport is as much about enjoyment and self-expression as victory.

Expect dynamic sequences capturing serves, rallies, and post-match rituals infused with laughter and camaraderie. This chapter underscores ellesse’s evolution: technical fabrics meet lifestyle appeal, creating pieces perfect for both court and street.

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“Style It Like An Italian” shifts focus to personal expression. Garfield embraces a more confident, sensual approach to dressing, introducing ellesse’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection. Relaxed tailoring, rich textures, and signature color-blocking reflect Italian sprezzatura—effortless nonchalance. From elevated tracksuits to refined knitwear and outerwear, the collection bridges sport and fashion with sophistication and playfulness.

Pearch’s photography captures Garfield in candid moments of styling and movement, revealing how clothing can enhance one’s relationship with culture and self. This chapter solidifies Garfield as the ideal ambassador: someone who embodies the brand’s values of living sport with joy and individuality.

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In an era where authenticity and cultural appreciation drive consumer connection, “Do It Like An Italian” stands out. It avoids stereotypes, instead offering a heartfelt, humorous exploration of identity and exchange. Garfield’s journey mirrors the brand’s own evolution—rooted in Italian heritage yet embracing global dialogue.

For ellesse, this partnership signals a bold new era. By reviving archives while launching fresh collections, the brand reaffirms its position at the intersection of sport, fashion, and lifestyle. Oliver Hadlee Pearch’s direction adds cinematic depth, making the campaign feel like a short film series rather than traditional advertising.

Andrew Garfield’s involvement also broadens ellesse’s appeal. His thoughtful fanbase—spanning film enthusiasts, fashion followers, and younger demographics—brings new energy to the label. The campaign’s emphasis on humor, curiosity, and confidence resonates in a world often marked by tension, reminding us of sport and style’s power to unite and uplift.

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With the first chapter already generating buzz, anticipation builds for the remaining installments. How will Garfield master the court? What unexpected moments will emerge in his styling journey? ellesse promises continued surprises that deepen the narrative and showcase more of the AW26 range.

This collaboration exemplifies successful brand-ambassador synergy: Garfield gains a platform for play self-expression, while ellesse leverages his charisma to refresh its heritage for a new generation. As the campaign unfolds, it invites all of us to “Do It Like An Italian”—to approach life, sport, and style with greater passion, humor, and freedom.

In Andrew Garfield, ellesse has found not just a face but a true culture bridge. The result is a campaign that feels fresh, joyful, and deeply true to the brand’s Italian soul. Whether you’re a longtime fan of ellesse’s tennis legacy or discovering it through Garfield’s charm, “Do It Like An Italian” offers an irresistible invitation: embrace the energy, wear the heritage, and live with style.