Rafaella(R) Taps International Beauty Aylin Mujica as Face for the Brand

MIAMI, Feb. 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perry Ellis International, Inc. (PEI) PERY announced today that it has signed Cuban-born actress, model, and dancer Aylin Mujica as its Rafaella brand ambassador. Ms. Mujica will appear as the face of the brand on the Rafaella website (www.rafaellasportswear.com), social media channels, and in the brand's image and advertising campaigns. Ms. Mujica will also be doing select personal appearances on behalf of Rafaella apparel throughout the year.

"We are thrilled to be working with Aylin," said Oscar Feldenkreis, president & chief operating officer of Perry Ellis International. "Not only is she incredibly talented and has a terrific sense of style, but she also understands that not all women are shaped the same. The growing Hispanic population in the U.S. presents a unique opportunity for the Rafaella brand which has seen growth in Ecom sales in more densely Hispanic populated areas throughout the country. Aylin was immediately drawn to Rafaella's curvy fitting pant, popular among Latina women. She was a natural fit."

Aylin was quoted, "I am honored to work with Rafaella, a brand I have long admired and worn in both my personal and professional life. I first fell in love with the perfect fit of the Rafaella pants, and then was drawn to all the beautiful colors and prints. They're easy to wear and so comfortable."

Most recently, Aylin played the main villain, Fernanda, on the hit Telemundo program, Corazon Valiente and played a lead role in the theatrical production of Obscuro Total, directed by Fernando Colunga. Aylin, has also co-hosted Latin Billboards for six consecutive years and the Mexican Billboards for the past five years. This month Aylin will co-host Telemundo's Top Chef Estrellas, and will appear in Rafaella brand advertising campaigns this spring in a variety of fashion magazines which include Hispanic titles.

Rafaella apparel launched in 1982 with a focus on the modern woman. The brand offers luxury fabrics, great style, and impeccable fit and is especially known for offering 'The Perfect Fitting Pant.' Balancing style and performance, the Rafaella design team strives to offer flawless fit with effortless, sophisticated style options that mix and match for a woman perpetually on the go. The Rafaella collection may be found in fine retailers such as Lord & Taylor, BonTon, Belk, and rafaellasportswear.com. Follow Rafaella on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, for the latest news, offers and special promotions.

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, as well as select children's apparel. 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®, Jantzen®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, C&C California®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Centro®, Munsingwear®, Savane®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Grand Slam®, Natural Issue®, Pro Player®, the Havanera Co.®, Gotcha®, MCD®, John Henry®, Mondo di Marco®, Redsand®, Manhattan®, Axist®, Farah®, Anchor Blue®, Miller's Outpost®, Tahoe River Outfitters®, Original Khaki Company® and Techworks®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® and Jag® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, Champions Tour® and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel. Additional information on the Company is available at http://www.pery.com.