Perry Ellis International has entered into new licensing agreements with ACI International Inc. to design, manufacture and distribute dress, and casual athletic footwear for the Perry Ellis and Perry Ellis Portfolio brands and to design, manufacture and distribute men's, women's and children's footwear for the Original Penguin and Munsingwear brands in the U.S.
Oscar Feldenkreis, president and COO of Perry Ellis International, said: “Footwear is a key category for the Perry Ellis lifestyle. ACI International is the right partner to interpret in footwear the look that has made Perry Ellis the number one neo-traditional brand in the department store channel.”
The Perry Ellis and Perry Ellis Portfolio footwear lines will focus initially on dress, city and dress casual areas. All will be launched to the trade at the August Market Week and the line will be fully distributed in major department stores such as Nordstrom's, Bloomingdale's and Macy's by spring of 2008.
“When it comes to evoking images of the sophisticated lifestyle, few names carry as much impact as Perry Ellis,” said Steve Jackson, chief executive officer of ACI International Inc. “We are extremely excited about the opportunities that this agreement brings to both ACI and Perry Ellis,” Mr. Jackson concluded.
ACI International announced that Kirk Weisenburger will head the Perry Ellis footwear division. Mr. Weisenburger has been Vice President of sales for ACI for the last three years; prior to that, Mr. Weisenburger spent 11 years at the Stride Rite Corporation, as VP of Sales.
The Original Penguin brand was re-launched in 2002, to cater to a new generation of fashion conscious consumers seeking classic, vintage inspired styles. This “suburban-chic” brand appeals to independent free-spirited young professionals who value Original Penguin's unique detailing, classic fits and individual styling. Original Penguin footwear will complement the apparel with modern vintage, suburban-chic styles that complete each fashion look, from swim to dress.
Steve Jackson, chief executive officer of ACI International Inc., added, “We are incredibly excited to be working on the Original Penguin brand, and we look forward to bringing to retail fun and unique styling consistent with the overall global positioning of the Original Penguin.”
ACI International announced that Dave Frazier, former VP of Sales and Marketing for Lacoste Footwear in the U.S. and ten year veteran at Ralph Lauren Footwear, will be president of the Original Penguin footwear division.
The Original Penguin footwear line will launch at selected retailers in the fall of 2007, followed by a broader launch in the spring of 2008. Original Penguin footwear distribution strategy includes specialty footwear stores and department stores such as Nordstrom's, Barney's and Urban Outfitters.
