Birth of the Iconic Penguin

[glen]

SPECIALIZING in 50s and 60s-inspired fashion for men, women, and boys, Original Penguin is very popular among Hollywood stars as well as the new generation of preppies because of its classic and distinctive style.

Fashion salesman Abbot Pederson had the idea of making a penguin logo upon the suggestion of a pretty flight stewardess.
But aside from its stylish clothing pieces, did you know that Original Penguin has a colorful history and an interesting story behind its logo?


The penguin logo symbolizes Original Penguin's subtle sophistication and retro styles with new twists that give fun and excitement to the brand's clothing.
Pete the Penguin
Initially from Minneapolis-based Munsingwear, an underwear and military supply company, Original Penguin introduced the first iconic golf shirt and became a symbol of suburban leisure to America in the 1950s.




Original Penguin has able to offer sweaters, jackets, hats, and accessories for men as well as garments for women.
It was fashion salesman Abbot Pederson who had the idea of making a penguin the logo of the Original Penguin. Pederson was in a business trip in New York City when he stumbled upon a taxidermist's shop displaying stuffed penguins.




Original Penguin is very popular among Hollywood stars as well as the new generation of preppies because of its classic and distinctive style.

Before leaving the city, Pederson bought one stuffed toy and named him Pete the Penguin. He brought Pete on the plane and during the flight, Pederson accidentally broke the its head. A flight attendant helped fix Pete by wrapping Pederson's tie around the toy's neck. She then jokingly told the salesman that the penguin has to be immortalized by embroidering the animal on a shirt similar to what Pederson was wearing.




The staff of Original Penguin came up with a new collection that has a better color palette and fit that appealed to the younger generation.



Pederson thought that the stewardess' suggestion was a good idea. In his return to Minneapolis, he came up with the golfer shirt, which is now called "the 55"—a casual and comfortable clothing with three buttons and a little Pete the Penguin logo at the top left of the chest pocket.

Pete the Penguin, thereafter was associated with the American elite—Clint Eastwood, Richard Nixon, and Frank Sinatra among others.

Today, the penguin logo symbolizes Original Penguin's subtle sophistication and retro styles with new twists that give fun and excitement to the brand's clothing.

Rebirth of Original Penguin
When retro fashion became a trend in early 2000, Chris Kolbe saw the opportunity to bring Original Penguin back to the market. Kolbe, who had worked for Polo Ralph Lauren and Urban Outfitters, believed that by updating colors and fit, the brand could win younger consumers.

In 2003, Original Penguin became available in the market again with its clothing pieces that are perfect for retro look. Not wanting to replicate the old styles, the staff of Original Penguin came up with a new collection that appealed to the younger generation. The classic polo, for instance, has now its own distinctive fit combined with sophisticated styling.

The colors were also changed to make the clothes more versatile for consumers from season to season. And in just a few years, Original Penguin has able to offer sweaters, jackets, hats, and accessories for men as well as garments for women.

Actors Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, Matthew McConaughey and the members of the band Interpol and Arctic Monkeys are just some of the celebrities who support the brand.

Original Penguin is now available in more than 15 countries including here in the Philippines. Its shops are located at Shangri-La Plaza, Power Plant Mall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and Marquee Mall in Pampanga. Branches in TriNoma Mall and Bonifacio High Street are set to open this year.

[judE_Law]

Penguin had a relaunch here in the Phils. recently right?
that was in the last week of june i think??

i will definitely visit a penguin outlet one of these days...
the clothes looks comfy to wear.


btw, welcome to PGG glen!

[incognito]

i love penguin. classic talaga. kinda expensive nga lang. 3000 plus for a polo shirt. 1800 for a simple t shirt. 5000 plus for long sleeved shirts.  pero they have items on sale for as much as 30% off. i remember most of my lolo's polo shirts when he was still alive were penguin. kung naitago lang namin, baka nagamit ko pa.  haha.

[hiei]

same here, my dad had a couple of vintage penguin shirts. i also had few shirts, a pair of pants and long sleeve shirt which i bought 5 years ago. same circa when i was into vintage style - onitsuka mex66, adidas originals...

[angelo]

sa marshalls meron mga penguin na naka-sale mga 9.99 lang na mga polo (not irreg). nakakagulat lang kasi biglang ganun na lang kamura.

yes, a great brand and great apparel.