(Miami, FL, August 10, 2022) — Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, a division of Perry Ellis International, is proud to announce the signing of top ranked pickleball professionals Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova as brand ambassadors.
“We are thrilled to have Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova join the Original Penguin team as brand ambassadors,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “As the #1 ranked Mixed Doubles Team on the PPA Tour, and U.S. Open Champions, Matt and Lucy have cemented themselves as true stars in the sport. We are confident they will represent Original Penguin with winning style on and off the court. We are also ecstatic to be at the forefront of one of the fastest growing sports for men and women of all ages and see a tremendous opportunity to expand our footprint in a growing paddle sport community. Additionally, our sponsorship of USA Pickleball reaffirms our commitment to the pickleball community by bringing functional style and iconic logoed apparel to pickleball players, tournament officials and referees.”
Wright and Kovalova, former collegiate tennis players, are currently showcasing Original Penguin’s Racquet and Paddle Fall 2022 collections. The collection’s inspirations represent a fusion of retro heritage style with modern “original” twists, while marrying classic silhouettes and unique prints. Fabrics include luxe sustainable recycled yarns with elastane blends such as Repreve and 4-way stretch, extremely lightweight blends and includes moisture-wicking UPF sun protection. Detail elements feature power mesh for enhanced ventilation, piping, novelty logo details and pockets.
“I grew up wearing the Penguin so I am incredibly humbled and excited to partner with such an incredible heritage brand like Original Penguin,“ said Wright, seven time U.S. Open Champion, four time USA National Champion, and the #1 ranked PPA Tour Doubles Player. “Original Penguin’s Racquet and Paddle collection provides functional performance, cutting edge designs and comfort, and I look forward to showcasing the Penguin on pickleball’s biggest stages.”
“We are ecstatic to be at the forefront of one of the fastest growing sports for men and women of all ages and see a tremendous opportunity to expand our footprint in a growing paddle sport community” added Feldenkreis. “Additionally, our sponsorship of USA Pickleball reaffirms our commitment to the pickleball community by bringing functional style and iconic logoed apparel to pickleball players, tournament officials and referees.
“Original Penguin is a brand that I have long admired for its style and timeless designs,” said Kovalova, nine time U.S. Open Champion and currently ranked #1 in women’s doubles and #1 ranked PPA Tour player. “I am excited to now partner with the Penguin and know that the Racquet and Paddle collections’ performance features will give me a big leg up on the competition.”
For over 60 years Original Penguin, and its namesake icon, Pete the Penguin, have been adorned and adored by the masters of leisure and sport to define itself as an American classic. Today, the Penguin icon still stands as a signal for those who know how to be an original and what you wear for the good times.
About An Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®
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®. Known for its unique, humorous and detail-oriented clothing, Original Penguin offers a full range of men’s and children’s clothing, accessories and fragrances. The brand continues to evolve into the sports arena with the addition of tennis and pickleball apparel. Original Penguin is a global brand with retail stores worldwide as well as two dedicated e-commerce websites: www.originalpenguin.com and www.originalpenguin.co.uk.
About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor, and licensor of a broad line of high quality men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and fragrances. The company’s collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress pants, casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, dresses, and men’s and women’s swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands, including: Perry Ellis®, An Original Penguin by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist® and Farah®. The company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel. Additional information on the company is available at www.pery.com
