Brand Overview
Original Penguin is a sportswear brand originally launched in the 1950s and revitalized in the 1990s after being purchased by Perry Ellis?. The brand is focused on classic leisure and golf styling with a retro, modern feel.
Brand History
In 1955, Minneapolis-based Munsingwear, an underwear and military supply company, ironically became one of the defining touchstones of suburban American sportswear with the introduction of what many consider to be the America's first iconic golf shirt--Original Penguin. As label lore goes, one of Munsingwear's salesmen spotted a flock of penguins in the window of a New York taxidermist. On what seems like a lark, he bought one of the stuffed birds. Before long, the penguin--named "Pete"--became the brand's official mascot, later showing up on the logo of the brand's golf shirts.
The company's first golf shirt, released in 1955, became instantly popular among golfers. The shirt was the first to utilize the "action guest" feature--a ribbed slice of fabric on the underarm to avoid rips during even the most enthusiastic golf swing--that would become increasingly popular in golf-wear in years to come.
The Original Penguin line by Munsingwear was a regular element of golf and leisure wear throughout the following decades. The clothing was worn by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Richard Nixon.
In 1996, Perry Ellis? acquired the Munsingwear trademarks and re-launched the Original Penguin brand as a complete sportswear collection in the Spring of 2003.
External Links
OfficialOwner: "69.233.139.54" Last edited on May 2, 2007 2:18 pm by "serpico"
