Andrew Garfield, the British-American actor known for his roles in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' and 'The Social Network', has embarked on a stylish transformation in the latest Ellesse campaign, 'Do It Like an Italian'. This campaign, shot by fashion photographer and filmmaker Oliver Hadlee Pearch, showcases Garfield's journey to becoming an honorary Italian, guided by an off-screen coach. The campaign is a three-part cinematic adventure, each chapter exploring a different aspect of Italian culture and style.
The first chapter, 'Say It Like an Italian', focuses on Garfield's pronunciation and hand gestures, as he learns the correct way to say 'Ellesse' and other key Italian phrases. This chapter highlights the brand's heritage and modern expressive energy, with Garfield's accent and gestures becoming a central part of the storytelling. The campaign draws inspiration from Ellesse's '80s and '90s archive, featuring the brand's signature silhouettes and colorblocking, as well as the 'semi-palla', an abstract ball motif.
In the second chapter, 'Play It Like an Italian', Garfield takes to the tennis court, showcasing the sport as an expressive and dance-like activity. The brand emphasizes the fluidity and instinctiveness of movement, capturing Garfield's physicality and rhythm. This chapter is a celebration of the beauty and joy of using the body in sport, a core value of Ellesse.
The final chapter, 'Style It Like an Italian', presents Garfield in the new fall 2026 collection. This part of the campaign signals a shift in Ellesse's creative direction, with Pearch's character-led storytelling capturing Garfield mid-moment. The focus is on the heritage and modern energy of the brand, with Garfield's authentic and cheeky portrayal adding to the campaign's appeal.
Garfield's involvement in the campaign is a special moment for the actor, who grew up coveting and wearing Ellesse. He appreciates the brand's ethos, which emphasizes the vitality and passionate expression in sport, and the beauty and joy of using the body. The campaign, launching globally this month, is a testament to the brand's commitment to authenticity and style, with Garfield's transformation into an honorary Italian a key part of the narrative.
This campaign is a unique and engaging approach to advertising, with Garfield's personal journey and style transformation at the heart of the story. It showcases the brand's heritage and modern energy, while also celebrating the beauty of sport and the joy of self-expression. As an actor, Garfield brings a sense of authenticity and cheek to the campaign, making it a memorable and impactful piece of advertising.
