Our History

Our History

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