Branding our Company for Future Success
1961
Humble Beginnings
Like many others in 1961, George Feldenkreis left Cuba in a hurry, taking only his family and a meager $700. Faced with the immediate need to earn a living, Mr. Feldenkreis started representing and distributing motorcycle, automotive and electronic parts and supplies in Miami. Within two years he started traveling to the Far East and was actively importing everything from auto parts to cloth and buttons, thus founding his first company, Carfel.
1967
Supreme International is Born
George and his brother Isaac create Supreme International, manufacturing two products: school uniforms and traditional Latin 4-pocket linen shirts. Earns the title: “King of Guayaberas.”
1969
Brand Creation
Supreme International creates Romani, the iconic guayabera.
1970
International Expansion
Supreme International goes global, opening offices in Asia.
1972
Supreme Merchandise
J.C. Penney and Sears begin selling Supreme International merchandise.
1973
Selling Internationally
Supreme International begins selling guayaberas in Panama, Curacao and Margarita Island, located off the coast of Venezuela.
1979
Like Father, Like Son
George’s son, Oscar Feldenkreis, joins as a vice president and board director.
1980
A New Collection
Marks the unveiling of the fashion-forward Feldini menswear collection.
1981
A Milestone
Supreme International reaches $5 million in annual revenue.
1988
First Major Brand
Supreme International unveils its first apparel brand, Natural Issue®, featuring reactive printing.
1992
Domestic Expansions
Opens Manhattan showroom in the iconic Garment District.
1993
Beginnings of a Public Company
Supreme International goes public on NASDAQ stock exchange, stock symbol SUPI Supreme had $33M revenues previous year.
1994
"Best Small Company"
Forbes recognizes Supreme International, as the 34th “Best Small Company”.
1996
Beginnings of Brand Expansion
Supreme International acquires Munsingwear® and Grand Slam®.
1997
30 Years in Business
PEI moves into a new Doral, Florida, headquarters with 180,000-square-foot warehouse.
1999
A Year of Transformation
Supreme International acquires Perry Ellis®, Manhattan® and John Henry®, becomes Perry Ellis International, stock symbol PERY.
2000
In-House Inspiration
PEI launches two Latin-themed brands, Cubavera® and The Havana Shirt Company™.
2001
Empowering Corporate Apparel
Miami Business magazine chronicles George Feldenkreis’ business acumen in a March 2001 cover story.
2002
The Year of Swimwear
Perry Ellis International acquires iconic swim brand Jantzen® and the right to license Nike® Swim apparel: Original Penguin by Munsingwear menswear line introduced.
2003
An Important Merger is Made
PEI acquires the Salant Corporation, which had been the Perry Ellis brand’s largest licensee: The merger creates one of the country’s largest men’s sportswear companies.
2004
The Year of Golf
Becomes the licensee for PGA TOUR®, which adds golf apparel to the corporate portfolio: Golf becomes a cornerstone of PEI’s strategic focus.
2005
Surf Lifestyle Expansion
Surf and skate lifestyle brand Gotcha® acquired, along with Tropical Sportswear International, adding Savane® and Farah® to PEI’s portfolio.
2006
Bottoms Expansion
PEI signs a license agreement with Levi Strauss & Co. for Dockers® jackets, coats and synthetic fleece.
2007
40 Years in Business
PEI turns 40 and the street where its Doral, Florida, headquarters is located is designated George Feldenkreis Way by Miami-Dade County.
2008
Market Growth
The acquisition of Laundry by Shelli Segal®, an iconic brand known for its exclusive signature prints, brings PEI into the contemporary womenswear market.
2009
Major Step for Cubavera®
Cubavera opens its first store at Miami International Airport.
2010
Callaway® Joins the Family
PEI becomes the licensee for Callaway® golf apparel in the United States, Canada and Mexico: The Perry Ellis® brand is sold in more than 50 countries.
2011
"The Perfect Fitting Pant"
PEI acquires Rafaella Apparel Group, a women’s sportswear collection whose tagline is “Fitting is Believing.”
2012
Another Step in Golf Apparel
Acquisition of the Ben Hogan® apparel brand are complemented by an expanded Callaway Golf licensing agreement that takes in Latin American.
2013
20 Years in NASDAQ
PEI celebrates 20 years of trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange: New York offices move to iconic Hippodrome building in Manhattan.
2013
Legends of Golf
Secures Jack Nicklaus® licensing agreement to distribute men’s and ladies sportswear, tailored clothing and accessories for one of golf’s greatest names and global brands.
2014
Prosperity Shines
George and Oscar are the focus of a Fortune magazine cover story, "Prosperity Shines on Perry Ellis International"
2016
Succession Plan
Oscar Feldenkreis becomes CEO and President under company succession plan, with George Feldenkreis named Executive Chairman
2017
Milestone Anniversary
PEI Celebrates 50th Anniversary