Perry Ellis International has named a new head designer for its flagship brand as well as its Original Penguin by Munsingwear collection.
Michael Miille, whose background includes PVH Corp. and Ralph Lauren, has been named creative director for both brands.
“Michael’s passion for design and his ability to capture the essence of modern style align perfectly with the values and vision of Perry Ellis International,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, chief executive officer and president of the Miami-based corporation. “We are confident that his unique perspective will elevate both brands and resonate with a diverse audience.”
For 20 months, Miille has been freelancing as a designer and brand developer through a business named Tern Design. Before that, he spent six years at PVH, where he was vice president of design for Izod, vice president of design for dress furnishings and senior design director for dress shirts. He also worked for Kent & Curwen for two years as a designer and was a senior designer for Purple Label sportswear, RLX, golf and athletic projects for Ralph Lauren.
“I am honored to represent two iconic American brands with such rich heritage by setting trends and pushing boundaries,” Miille said. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented teams and contributing to the brands’ continued success.”
Perry Ellis has had several designers over the past few years. Two years ago it charged Thomas Harvey, a veteran of Theory, Aquascutum and Patrik Ervell, to reimagine Original Penguin and then the Perry Ellis brand. Before that, Michael Maccari designed Perry Ellis for six years, but he left the company in 2019.
Perry Ellis International was purchased in 2018 by George Feldenkreis, father of Oscar Feldenkreis, for $437 million. The elder Feldenkreis had founded company more than 50 years before. His story has become legend within the menswear industry. A Cuban immigrant who fled his home country in 1961 after Fidel Castro took control, he and his brother started a uniform business in the U.S. called Supreme International. That company went public in 1993 and after purchasing the Perry Ellis brand in 1999, changed its name to Perry Ellis International. In addition to the Perry Ellis and Original Penguin brands, the corporation also owns Cubavera, Rafaella and other labels.
