Ellesse‘s by now iconic 80’s tennis short-shorts are set to make a comeback this summer. The Italian label are once acting as official sponsor of the Mutua Madrid Open, this time with more than a little backspin.
On 25th January 2012, 87-year-old founder, soul and spirit of ellesse, Leonardo Servadio, passed away. This year, in the name of promoting Servadio’s true Italian allure, ellesse Italia have teamed up with the Mutua Madrid Open and launched a global competition inviting only the bold, brave and stylish to enter. For two individuals, they are offering the unique chance to become part of the exclusive ellesse Tennis ball-boy/girl elite. The lucky duo will be whisked off to Madrid for an all expenses paid three weeks of training for the finals alongside the other models. With Madrid’s infamous clay courts a dazzling blue and trained models dressed head to toe in a unique design collaboration between ellesse and Surface 2 Air, it’s a glamorous affair. All contestants have to do is capture a portrait of themselves inspired by the style and panache of ellesse’s iconic tennis playboys and calendar girls; where short-shorts and towelling headbands were a necessity. Then upload the retro inspired portraits to the ellesse facebook page.
Photographer Lydia Garnett teamed up with lifestyle blog Copson St to give i-D their interpretation of how to wear ellesse in 2012. What’s yours?
Text: Michael Stephens
Photography: Lydia Garnett
From left. Look 1 and 3: Jumper Plectrum by Ben Sherman. Shirt Scotch & Soda. Look 2: Jumper Plectrum by Ben Sherman. Shirt Scotch & Soda. Joggers Eastie Empire. Trainers ellesse heritage. Look 4: Shorts ellesse heritage. Jumper model’s own. T-shirt Copson St. Hat Copson St.
