MIAMI, Feb. 11, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perry Ellis International, Inc. (“PEI”) (Nasdaq:PERY), announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with PICO Manufacturing Sales Corporation for the design, production and distribution of An Original Penguin by Munsingwear® boys underwear and sleepwear in the United States and Canada.  The product is planned to launch at retail with premium department stores and children’s specialty stores for Fall/Holiday 2016. 

Original Penguin is an iconic American brand that mixes sportswear and contemporary fashion appealing to a style-savvy consumer who is into details, but doesn't take himself too seriously. Original Penguin pays homage to its brand heritage, while staying culturally relevant in their global markets. The brand reworks its archive of mid-century classics to reflect today's lifestyle without compromising that heritage or the craftsmanship that established the Original Penguin name.

"We are enthused to welcome PICO Manufacturing to the Original Penguin family.  PICO Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of childrenswear in the continent making it an ideal collaborative partner.  Working with PICO Manufacturing will continue to leverage the strong Original Penguin brand equity and execute our strategic initiative to expand our global reach,” stated George Feldenkreis, chairman and CEO of PEI.

Marty Litt,  President of PICO Manufacturing added, "We are delighted to be associated and partner with PEI on Original Penguin for boys.   We believe the boy’s underwear and sleepwear sector needs an infusion of newness, utilizing vibrant colors, quality fabrics and of course, Pete the Penguin! The Original Penguin brand is perfect for this market.  We look forward to building a terrific business in partnership with PEI and its retail partners in the coming years.”

For more information about Perry Ellis International, Inc. and the Company's entire portfolio of brands, please visit www.PERY.com.

About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men's and women's apparel, accessories and fragrances. The Company's collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress pants, casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, dresses and men's and women's swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands, including: Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®,  Manhattan®, Axist®, Jantzen® and Farah®.  The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® and Jag® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel. Additional information on the Company is available at http://www.pery.com.

About PICO Manufacturing Sales Corporation 
PICO Manufacturing Sales Corporation is a fourth generation family underwear and sleepwear business established in 1931.  We have global manufacturing facilities and offices around the world. We are proud to have earned our reputation as a Premier Manufacturer, Importer and Merchandiser of Quality Men's, Women's, and Children’s’ Underwear, Sleepwear, and Athletic/Performance Underwear.  PICO offers in-house, fully integrated design capabilities that include our talented and experienced specialty fashion design staff. Excellence is the standard that guides everything we do at PICO. 

Maria Folyk-Kushneir
Senior Vice President of Licensing
212-536-5718
Maria.folyk-kushneir@pery.com
Marty Litt
marty@picomfgsales.com
Gary Leon
gary@picomfgsales.com