Ellis is a clothing designer who is most famously known as Perry Ellis. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1940 and began his career in fashion in the late 1960s. He was known for his modern and sophisticated designs, which were often inspired by classic American sportswear. His designs were popular among celebrities and he was awarded the Coty Award for Menswear in 1979. He passed away in 1986, but his legacy lives on through his iconic designs.