Chris Evert will serve as brand ambassador for the newly-formed Ellesse North America. The six-time U.S. Open champion, 56,
will be actively involved in design, promotion and marketing, as well as
the development of a signature collection,”Chris Evert for Ellesse.”

She will host a cocktail party at the Town Tennis Club on the Upper East Side Friday to help relaunch the Italian sportswear label Ellesse in the U.S.

Ellesse North America has acquired the master license for the Ellesse brand in all product categories for the North American market from Pentland Group plc. Ellesse will relaunch in the U.S. in the fourth quarter.

In addition to tennis wear, Ellesse will offer clothing and shoes for other “lifetime sports” like fitness, skiing, golf and equestrian. There are plans for an online store and freestanding stores, and the collection will also be carried in specialty stores, pro shops, ski shops, tack shops and hotel and resort shops.