Sportswear Designer Perry Ellis Suffering From Encephalitis

Award-winning sportswear designer Perry Ellis remained in serious but stable condition today with encephalitis, a hospital official said.

Ellis, 46, was admitted to New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center earlier this week suffering from the infection of tissues near the brain.

The designer, who has been ill for several months, appeared pale and gaunt at one of his last public appearances, an AIDS fund-raiser sponsored by the fashion, fragrance and cosmetic industries in New York on April 30.

His condition appeared to have deteriorated when he had to be supported by colleagues at the May 8 preview of his fall and winter 1986 collection.

At the end of a fashion show designers traditionally walk down the runway to take a bow. Ellis appeared only briefly after his show in the doorway of his showroom. A colleague at each elbow appeared to be helping him stand.