Color Crazy

Back in the 1970s and ’80s, tennis fashion was dominated by the big three: Fila, Sergio Tacchini and Ellesse. During the ’70s, Chris Evert wore the uber-feminine look of Ellesse, with lots of white with color trim, pleated skirts and form-fitted sleeveless tops. A decade later, the looks became much more colorful. It was the ’80s after all, and Ellesse is Italian.

Recently, Ellesse has been on the scene again after a long hiatus from tennis, this time outfitting Nadia Petrova. They’re still showing feminine touches such as frilly sleeves. But how about the color? Let’s just say Ellesse is doing its best to make the ’80s look conservative.

—David Rosenberg