Born: Portsmouth, Virginia, USA, 1940
Died: New York, New York, USA, 1986
Perry Ellis designed sportswear in the true sense of the word. Clean lines, crisp fabrics – clothes that crossed the border between lounging and activity. Ellis knew all about the ins and outs of sportswear, having started his career as a sportswear buyer for Miller & Rhoads, a Virginian department store, later taking up a position of designer.
He had degrees in both business and retailing, and his diverse experience culminated in an astute understanding of commercial design. Ellis formed his own label, Perry Ellis International, in 1978. His easy-to-wear slouch look – consisting of loose trousers, layered tunics and oversized sweaters – became his signature menswear and sportswear line in conjunction with Levi Strauss. Elected president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1984, he said, ‘My clothes are friendly – like people you’ve known for a long time, but who continue to surprise you. Clothes must do the same.’
