In a bold move set to reshape the U.S. sportswear landscape, Pentland Brands has announced an exclusive, long term licensing partnership with The Iconic Brand Corporation (TIBC) to relaunch ellesse across the United States, the world’s most dynamic sport and lifestyle market, with tennis and ski at its forefront.
Under the new licensing agreement, and in close collaboration with the ellesse team, TIBC will design, develop, produce, and market all ellesse apparel and accessories collections across the United States. The first collection, launching Spring 2026, will debut direct-to-consumer through ellesse.us followed by select Flagship retail locations opening late 2026. This milestone agreement signals a bold new chapter in the ellesse journey, positioning the brand for rapid expansion across physical and digital channels, exclusive country clubs and select specialty retailers.
Celebrated for its fusion of performance and style, ellesse has long occupied a unique space where the elegance of Italian fashion meets the energy of sport. This next chapter brings that legacy to life for a new generation of American consumers, supported by a robust brand strategy with a focus on premium design, cultural relevance, and world-class collaborations in sport, fashion, and lifestyle.
At the helm of The Iconic Brands Corporation expansion is a seasoned team of industry leaders: Todd Furniss, Chairman, was ellesse’s first U.S. contract tennis player in 1978. A key figure in U.S. tennis and golf culture, he now leads gTC Group with a strong presence in private equity and healthcare transformation. Duwayne Miller, CEO, is a visionary apparel executive with over 25 years of experience launching and scaling businesses across apparel and home textiles. His work with brands like Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and Four Seasons reflects a proven ability to combine product innovation with commercial execution. PM Andersson, CFO, brings international financial expertise across consumer goods, private equity, and asset management sectors - ensuring strong, responsible growth for the brand’s future.
“We’re delighted to welcome The Iconic Brand Company into the ellesse family. This is a group of leaders who understand what it takes to build something meaningful. Our partnership allows us to reintroduce the brand in a way that feels elevated, relevant, and true to its heritage. They bring passion, precision, and the kind of deep cultural connection that aligns beautifully with where we’re heading as a global brand.” Jack Richardson, SVP & Brand Director at Pentland Brands.
“Collaborating with the talented team that Duwayne is building, which includes industry experts across product development, sourcing, digital, and marketing, alongside the Pentland Group in London, is one of my greatest professional and personal joys. ellesse is a brand that I have had a relationship with for 47 years, and few things could bring more personal excitement and enthusiasm than returning ellesse to its place of prominence at the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture,” Todd Furniss, Chairman at The Iconic Brand Corporation.
