History of the Munsingwear
Penguin
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®. The now
famous ORIGINAL PENGUIN logo has an interesting story behind it. As
history tells us, one of Munsingwear’s salesmen spotted a flock of
penguins in the window of a New York taxidermist – and on what seems
like a lark, bought one of the stuffed birds. And before long,
"Pete" the penguin became the official mascot and logo of golf shirts.
Its first shirt – the 1955, was an instant golf classic, first to
feature an "action gusset" or a ribbed slice of fabric on the underarm
to avoid rips during even the most enthusiastic golf swing.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® by Munsingwear became a staple among the masters
of suburban leisure well into the 1980s – worn by the likes of Arnold
Palmer, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Richard Nixon. In 2003, an ORIGINAL
PENGUIN® was recreated by a group of people who love great style and
smart clothing. Today's style makers (you) have evolved this legend
and made it your very own. Thank you. We are proud to design
collections for people with such great intellect, style and humor.
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an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® BY
MUNSINGWEAR RETURNS in 2003
(NEW YORK) Spring 2003- Traditionally
recognized as a clubhouse label for the superannuated set in the
1950s, an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® by Musingwear was the brand for the
man of leisure and sporting heroes alike. But as history tells us,
everything old becomes new again. So when retro-fashion became all the
rage, true tastemakers began scouring vintage stores for ORIGINAL
PENGUIN polo shirts with piped plackets. This underground passion for
ORIGINAL PENGUIN created a fashion fury, so it was no surprise that
when Chris Kolbe [former Men’s Divisional Merchandising Manager at
Urban Outfitters] approached Perry Ellis to revive the brand in 2001,
it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Kolbe’s mission was simple: to re-introduce ORIGINAL PENGUIN to a
younger, fashion-conscious consumer while remaining true to the
brand’s heritage. By leveraging ORIGINAL PENGUIN’s suburban-chic
aesthetic and clever sense of humor, Kolbe successfully re-launched
the brand’s menswear in 2003 and was immediately embraced by an entire
new generation of fashion savvy consumers.
Since Kolbe was given the keys to the brand, ORIGINAL PENGUIN has been
rescued from the annals of the pre-Tiger golf world by retooling its
men’s apparel, introducing new categories such as clothing for women,
footwear, watches, eyewear, ties and procuring the brand with witty
print advertising campaigns targeting the coveted influencer audience.
Today, the collection is available at such style emporiums as American
Rag, Barneys New York, and Fred Segal.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® DENIM
(NEW YORK) Spring 2006- an ORIGINAL
PENGUIN® is pleased to present premium denim for Fall 2006. With
Denim Design Director, Matt Saam at the helm, this made-in-the-USA
vintage-inspired collection for men and women is constructed with only
the finest Japanese and Turkish denim, classic hardware and personal
detailing. It’s stylish. It’s comfortable. It is super good denim.
Inspired by the 50’s myth of Teddy Boy and named after suburbs across
America, ORIGINAL PENGUIN denim is uniquely identifiable by their
asymmetrical "tattooed” back pocket, leather patchwork and directional
washes. With herringbone-lined pocket and original bindings detailing
the interiors this season the focus in ORIGINAL PENGUIN denim is in
the fit…
NO ONE DOES IT LIKE PENGUIN – Men’s Denim
Hillsdale-loose straight leg
Yorktown- low rise straight leg
Sparksville-low rise boot
Rockwood-low rise skinny jean
And, for denim afficionados Selvage is the obvious choice. Constructed
of rigid Pima cotton and with the Selvedge trim exposed on the back
pocket, these jeans authenticate the 1947 original denim look
PAYING A SMALL PRICE FOR A LOT OF ATTENTION- Women’s Denim
Society Hill- classic trouser
Lilydale-low rise boot
Rockdale-low rise skinny jean.
All hand washed for a natural look, washes are indigo based and
include bleached resin, crinkly rinse, pure indigo and black licorice.
Prices range from $160 to $300 at only the finest department stores
and denim boutiques nationwide.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®
LAUNCHES EYEWEAR
(NEW YORK) Spring 2005- an ORIGINAL
PENGUIN® is pleased to announce the launch of its first unisex
eyewear collection scheduled for Spring/Summer 2005. The company
appointed Baumvision LLC , the California based eyewear design and
distribution house, as the exclusive licensee of the brand.
The premiere eyewear collection features three acetate and five metal
styles, which are available in four different color ways. In keeping
with ORIGINAL PENGUIN’s distinct style, the collection takes a fresh
approach to sunglasses by combining classic shapes with tongue-n-cheek
detailing. Highlights include custom-made acetate sunglasses accented
with subtle gold penguin patterns and metal frames that have advanced
folding capabilities for tucking away in your Penguin shirt pocket.
"This is a dream partnership,” notes an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® Eyewear
designer Shane Baum. "ORIGINAL PENGUIN’s unique history and
prestigious market position gave us the ultimate foundation to create
modern, stylish shades that will appeal to a broad range of
consumers,” continues Baum.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® President Chris Kolbe adds, "We are excited
about our first eyewear collection. While ORIGINAL PENGUIN has an
iconic place in American sportswear, we continue to evolve with each
new product offering. Baumvison successfully merged the past and
present, resulting in a high quality product that mirrors all areas of
our business.”
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® Eyewear retail between $125 to $140 and will
be available at specialty boutiques worldwide, including, Barney’s New
York, Disrespectables, NY, Eye Five (Orange County), Fred Segal, LA,
Brillen Manufakture (Vienna), Brilliante (Berlin), Nes Optiek
(Amsterdam) and The an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® Flagship Store in New
York City.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®
FOOTWEAR
(NEW YORK) Spring 2003- ORIGINAL
PENGUIN’s historic re-launch in 2002 gave a needed shot of adrenaline
to the classic American sportswear market. ORIGINAL PENGUIN’s suburban
chic aesthetic and vintage inspired designs struck a chord among an
entire new generation of consumers who gravitated to the witty sense
of humor and authentic sense of style. Propelling it beyond a fashion
label – ORIGINAL PENGUIN became a lifestyle.
As demand for ORIGINAL PENGUIN grew, so did its collections.
Coinciding with the brands revival, an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®
appointed Two Feet Productions to be the exclusive footwear licensee
for the brand. Spearheaded by Udi Avshalom, who is considered a guru
in the industry - his understanding of the footwear marketplace and
vast product knowledge made him the perfect partner for the an
ORIGINAL PENGUIN® brand.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® Footwear launched in the Spring of 2003 to
accolades from the consumers and footwear industry alike. Its wry
interpretation of classic sneakers and vintage trainers were a
slam-dunk. Currently, ORIGINAL PENGUIN’s unisex line of casual kickers
and boots are available at major retailers such as Barney's New York,
Bloomingdale's, Finish Line, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters, as well
as great specialty stores nationwide.
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®
LAUNCHES WATCHES
(NEW YORK) Fall 2005- After the 2005
release of the James Bond inspired digital gold watch from the movie
"Live and Let Die" honoring its 50th anniversary, an ORIGINAL
PENGUIN® is pleased to announce the launch of it's Men's and
Women's an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® Watches, a lifestyle collection for
women and men.
Licensed by Seiko Intl. Watch Company, an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®
Watches will be of a quality standard that Seiko has mastered in watch
making since 1881. Wood faces, hands featuring the "Penguin", dual
times and analog/digital features are some of the details to expect as
well as classic and timeless designs for both women and men. Prices
range from $95 for a simple clean design to $400 for a limited edition
piece
an ORIGINAL PENGUIN® Watches will be available in better
department stores and specialty boutiques nationwide beginning Spring
2006, featuring innovative details and classic styles that one would
only expect from an ORIGINAL PENGUIN®.
Original Penguin® Look Books
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