Andrew Garfield Leads ellesse’s Italian Revival

Sportswear brand ellesse is embracing its Italian roots with the launch of its new global campaign, “Do It Like An Italian,” starring acclaimed actor Andrew Garfield. The campaign marks a bold new chapter for the iconic label, celebrating the belief that sport is about far more than competition—it’s about passion, confidence, expression, and living with style.

The campaign represents a renewed vision for ellesse, reconnecting with the brand’s heritage while introducing a fresh, modern perspective that blends fashion, sport, and Italian culture.

A British Star Learns the Italian Way

Known for his unmistakably British charm, Garfield takes on the role of an “honorary Italian” throughout the campaign. Guided by an unseen Italian coach, he embarks on a humorous journey filled with language lessons, sporting moments, and style transformations that perfectly capture ellesse’s playful personality.

His natural charisma and self-aware humour bring authenticity to every scene as he navigates Italian expressions, movement, and effortless fashion with a series of entertaining successes—and the occasional misstep.

Reflecting on the partnership, Garfield said:

“My friends and I grew up coveting and wearing Ellesse, so being asked to be part of their team now feels really special. I love their ethos when it comes to the vitality and passionate expression in sport. The beauty and joy of using the body. And the sensual aesthetic style that Ellesse has always been a symbol of.”

Three Chapters Celebrate Italian Expression

The campaign unfolds through three cinematic stories that each explore a different side of Italian culture and the ellesse lifestyle.

Say It Like An Italian

Launching first, this chapter pays tribute to ellesse’s rich archive from the 1980s and 1990s. Featuring iconic colour-blocked designs, classic silhouettes, and the instantly recognisable Semi-Palla logo, Garfield attempts to master the pronunciation of “ellesse” alongside key Italian phrases.

The chapter blends nostalgia with modern storytelling, highlighting the brand’s enduring connection to sport and fashion.

Play It Like An Italian

Launching in early August, the second instalment moves onto the tennis court.

Rather than focusing solely on competition, tennis is portrayed as an expressive art form where movement, rhythm, and confidence take centre stage. Garfield embraces the fluidity and theatrical nature of the sport, reinforcing ellesse’s philosophy that sport should be enjoyable as much as it is competitive.

Style Meets Sprezzatura

The final chapter, “Style It Like An Italian,” introduces ellesse’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection.

Here, Garfield fully embraces Italian elegance, confidence, and effortless sophistication—often described by the Italian concept of sprezzatura, where style appears naturally effortless.

The campaign showcases the seamless transition from athletic wear to everyday fashion, reinforcing ellesse’s position as a lifestyle brand rooted in sport.

A Modern Vision Through Oliver Hadlee Pearch

The campaign was photographed and directed by celebrated British photographer and filmmaker Oliver Hadlee Pearch, whose cinematic storytelling brings warmth, authenticity, and subtle humour to every frame.

His creative direction presents Garfield in relaxed, spontaneous moments that perfectly reflect ellesse’s evolving identity, where premium fashion and sporting heritage exist side by side.

Celebrating the Semi-Palla Legacy

Central to the campaign is the iconic Semi-Palla emblem, a symbol deeply connected to ellesse’s history.

The logo first gained worldwide recognition through tennis legend Guillermo Vilas, becoming synonymous with movement, confidence, and individual style. Today, it continues to represent the brand’s belief that sport is something to be lived and expressed—not simply performed.

A New Global Chapter for ellesse

Jack Richardson, Senior Vice President of ellesse, believes Garfield was the ideal choice to lead this evolution.

“I’m thrilled with how ‘Do It Like An Italian’ has come to life. Having Andrew tell the story brings real authenticity, along with the sense of cheek that should always define ellesse.”

Rolling out globally across films, photography, outdoor advertising, social media, and cultural activations throughout the Spring/Summer 2026 and Autumn/Winter 2026 seasons, “Do It Like An Italian” signals a confident new era for the Italian sportswear brand.

With Andrew Garfield at its centre, ellesse reminds the world that true sport is more than performance—it’s about passion, personality, style, and embracing life the Italian way.