Original Penguin
Perry Ellis International · United States
Original Penguin is an American menswear brand launched in 1955 by Munsingwear with a golf shirt carrying a penguin emblem. Wikipedia reports that Perry Ellis International bought the brand in 1996, and a 2023 trade report still describes Perry Ellis as the controlling company.
| Launched | 1955 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Munsingwear, Minneapolis, United States |
| Owner | Perry Ellis International (acquired 1996, per Wikipedia) |
| Segment | Premium and contemporary |
| Emblem | Pete the penguin |
| Website | originalpenguin.com |
What is Original Penguin?
Original Penguin, also called Penguin, is an American apparel brand built around a penguin emblem named Pete. Its website lists polos, shirts, tees, sweaters, dress shirts, jackets, hoodies, pants, denim, shorts, swim, underwear, golf apparel, suits, loungewear and accessories including shoes, socks, hats, belts and bags.
History
According to the brand, salesman Abbot Pederson, travelling for Munsingwear, bought a stuffed penguin named Pete in a New York taxidermist's shop in 1955. The Munsingwear golf shirt carrying Pete's likeness became popular with figures such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood. Wikipedia notes that Munsingwear, a Minneapolis maker of underwear and military garments, filed for bankruptcy in 1991, before the brand was sold.
Ownership
Wikipedia states that Perry Ellis International bought the brand in 1996. A 2023 FashionUnited report on a footwear licence describes Perry Ellis International as the company behind the label, and the brand's own website footer credits PEI Licensing, LLC. No later change of ownership was found in the sources consulted.
Business model and distribution
The brand sells through its own online store, which includes an outlet section and international shipping, through a store locator and through retail partners. Wikipedia reports company stores in five US states. In October 2023 Perry Ellis announced a footwear licence with ACI International, with a first collection for Fall 2024 sold in the US and Canada through department stores, selected shoe and sporting goods retailers and e-commerce platforms. The brand's site also links to sister labels Callaway Apparel, Cubavera, Perry Ellis and Rafaella.
Why it matters
Original Penguin shows how a sportswear heritage brand can be repositioned as a lifestyle label and extended into new categories through licensing, with a distinctive logo doing much of the brand work.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Original Penguin?
Wikipedia reports that Perry Ellis International bought Original Penguin in 1996. A 2023 trade report still names Perry Ellis International as the company licensing the brand's footwear.
Where is Original Penguin from?
Original Penguin is an American brand. Munsingwear of Minneapolis launched the Original Penguin golf shirt in 1955.