Original Penguin Announces New International Partnership With Kiona

MIAMI, Oct. 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perry Ellis International, Inc. (PEI) (Nasdaq: PERY) announced today that it has entered into a new license agreement with Kiona S.A. de C.V. to market men's and women's bags, messenger bags, IT carriers, camping bags, small leather goods, sports bags, travel bags, utility bags, backpacks, key chains and cosmetic bags under the Original Penguin® brand in Mexico.

Original Penguin by Munsingwear®, one of the powerhouses in Perry Ellis International's portfolio of brands, is a lifestyle brand that redefines the terms 'geek-chic' and 'eccentric preppy'. With a strong focus on Americana and vintage-inspired looks drawn from its renowned heritage, the product line is sold at upscale department and upper tier specialty stores in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Mexico and South America and includes apparel, children's wear, shoes and accessory items. The brand is also sold through full priced stand-alone stores internationally, as well as online at www.originalpenguin.com and www.originalpenguin.co.uk.

"Our relationship with Kiona continues to flourish as we develop new brand opportunities beyond our current Perry Ellis agreement. We have had great success with Original Penguin in Mexico and believe this is a natural product extension to license Original Penguin bags and accessories," said PEI President & COO Oscar Feldenkreis.

"I look forward to the opportunities this new arrangement brings to expand our businesses in this important growth market," added Kiona President Antonio Fernandez. "It is an honor to incorporate Original Penguin into our portfolio, targeting the fashion savvy Hispanic consumer."

The collection will launch spring 2015 in major department stores in Liverpool and OPG retail stores in Mexico.

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®, Jantzen®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, C&C California®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist®, 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 An Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®

In 1955, Minneapolis-based Munsingwear – an underwear and military supply company – ironically became the touchstone of suburban sport with the introduction of the first iconic golf shirt to America – an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®. Known for its unique, humorous and detail-oriented clothing, Original Penguin offers a full range of men's, women's and children's clothing, accessories and fragrances. Original Penguin is present in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico and South America with over 1,250 points of sale, more than 61 Original Penguin stores worldwide and two dedicated e-commerce websites: www.originalpenguin.com and www.originalpenguin.co.uk.