Andrew Garfield, the British-American actor known for his roles in "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Social Network," has taken on a new persona for the Italian sportswear brand Ellesse's latest global ad campaign, "Do It Like an Italian." This campaign, shot by fashion photographer and filmmaker Oliver Hadlee Pearch, showcases Garfield's transformation into a stylish Italian, guided by an off-screen Italian coach. The campaign unfolds across three chapters: "Say It Like an Italian," "Play It Like an Italian," and "Style It Like an Italian."
In the first chapter, Garfield practices his pronunciation and hand gestures, perfecting his serve on the court as he strives to become an honorary Italian. The campaign draws inspiration from Ellesse's '80s and '90s archive, featuring the brand's signature silhouettes, colorblocking, and the abstract ball motif known as the "semi-palla."
Garfield's accent and pronunciation improve significantly, and he eventually masters the nuances of Italian phrases. The second chapter, "Play It Like an Italian," launches in early August, focusing on tennis as an expressive sport, emphasizing fluid movement and the physicality of the game. The final chapter, "Style It Like an Italian," showcases Garfield wearing pieces from the new fall 2026 collection.
This campaign marks a shift in Ellesse's creative direction, with Pearch's character-led storytelling capturing Garfield mid-moment to highlight the brand's heritage and modern expressive energy. Jack Richardson, senior vice president of Ellesse, believes that Garfield's involvement brings authenticity and a sense of cheek that should always define the brand. The campaign launches globally this month, showcasing Ellesse's commitment to blending performance with style and pleasure.
Garfield's association with Ellesse is particularly special, as he grew up coveting and wearing the brand. He appreciates Ellesse's ethos of vitality and passionate expression in sport, emphasizing the beauty and joy of using the body. The campaign aims to showcase that sport is not just about performance but also about style and pleasure, aligning with Ellesse's heritage and modern identity.
