Legendary Italian sports apparel company Ellesse was founded by Leonardo "Mantis" Servadio in Perugia, Italy back in 1959. The name Ellesse derives from Servadio's initials, "L.S." The brand grew in popularity during the 1970’s as a producer of skiwear such as ski pants and quilted jackets. One of Ellesse’s earliest successes was their ‘Jet Pant’ featured at the Pompidou Centre in Paris celebrating iconic Italian design.

In addition to skiing, Ellesse had a strong affiliation with Tennis in its early years. It was through this affiliation (during the 1970’s and 1980’s) Ellesse enhanced its reputation for mixing sportswear fashion with street style. Over the years Ellesse has been endorsed by a number of celebrities including tennis players Boris Becker, Anna Kournikova and Pat Cash, Skiers Jean-Luc Crétier and Marc Girardelli, and Formula 1 driver Alain Prost to name a few. Ellesse was also one of the first brands to feature their logo regularly on the outside of their garments.

In the mid 1980’s Ellesse worked with French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in a famous collaboration between the sportswear company and a fashion designer. The brand later became established in Europe particularly in the UK and Ellesse’s premium sportswear was born. Today Ellesse remains a popular choice amongst streetwear enthusiasts, as the brand continues to replicate retro Italian sportswear. Check out JD’s fantastic range of Ellesse Clothing, available to buy online today, for Men, Women and Kids.