The Retro Return of Ellesse
The Retro Return of Ellesse
In the 1950’s, the Italian fashion brand, Ellesse, launched in the United States only to reach its peak from the 1980’s - 1990’s. Unfortunately, this slow climb appeared more like a sudden disappearance from the U.S. market overnight. However, it appears that those behind the company have vowed to make a return.
The first collection in the U.S. debuted in November and was sold only in boutique shops (including Extra Butter, Concepts and Nice Kicks) but is taking a drastic new turn in December sourcing to a much wider and accessible array of retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Foot Locker and DTLR.
The initial collections were based heavily in retro-inspired design, including chunky outsoles on footwear and apparel with oversized graphic logos with bold branding, contrasting stripes and color blocking. The brand expects to have a presence in both footwear and apparel, tapping into its extensive archive and classic styles to pay homage to the brand’s past and will also maintain a tennis performance collection that will be available only in select pro shops (which have yet to be announced).
Photo: Ellesse
Robert Dundon, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Pentland USA, brand manager for over 35 years has stated that “We will always pay homage to our roots in some capacity when it feels appropriate, but this is a new era for Ellesse…Our platform will be forward thinking, but we’ll never abandon our roots.”
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