Original Penguin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| An Original Penguin by Munsingwear | |
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| Type | Subsidiary |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Headquarters | New York, NY |
| Industry | Apparel |
| Revenue | ▲$50 million USD (2007) |
| Parent | Perry Ellis International |
| Website | http://www.originalpenguin.com |
Original Penguin is an American lifestyle brand that originated in the 1950's that specialized in clothing but also sells footwear, watches, and eyewear for men, women, and kids.
The brand was launched in 1955 by Munsingwear, a Minneapolis-based underwear and military garment store, when it introduced the original Original Penguin golf-shirt in the United States. Worn by the likes of Richard Nixon, Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer, and Bing Crosby, this golf shirt became a symbol in suburban leisure until well into the 1980s.
The brand was bought by Perry Ellis International in 1996, and a brand new sportswear collection was released in Spring 2003. Today, Original Penguin is sold in numerous upscale and mid-priced department stores such as Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Urban Outfitters and David Jones as well as several regional boutiques and specialty stores.
The brand also has established several standalone boutiques across the nation, which sell Penguin products as well as clothing by C&C and Levi's. These include locations at upscale NorthPark Center in Dallas, Texas and on Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, Florida.
Original Penguin has recently released a denim collection beginning April 2005, as well as an eye wear collection in collaboration with California based company Baumvision LLC.
The brand gained popularity as it was featured on numerous episodes of the former FOX show, "The O.C.". Actor Adam Brody, who played Seth Cohen, frequently wore Penguin clothing.
