This week begins our Father's Day promotion featuring the trendy brand Penguin! For this week only, running June 13th - June 19th, all Penguin merchandise is 20% off plus you get a free gift! How sweet of a deal is that?! If you're buying online, just be sure to use promo code PENG20 at the checkout!
The story behind the Penguin brand is not only really funny, but it definitely gives hope to the average person who may want to make it in the crazy world of fashion. The Original Penguin brand hit the market in 1955 after undergarment salesman Abbot Peterson from Minneapolis took a business trip to the Big Apple. With plenty of down time before his flight home, Peterson spent that time in a local bar having a few (or more) drinks. Upon leaving the establishment, Peterson took a wrong turn while attempting to find a taxi. The street he found himself on was the home of a local taxidermist with a display of stuffed penguins in the window. The next thing you know, he was on the flight home with his new stuffed penguin named Pete.
As the story continues, Peterson, who was showing a great deal of joy on the plane, eventually knocked off Pete the penguin's head (yikes!). A stewardess then helped attach Pete's head back on by wrapping Peterson's tie around his neck and remarked on the bird being very lucky, and that he possibly deserved to be embroidered on a shirt like the one Peterson was wearing.
Upon arrival home Peterson, who loved golfing, immediately got started on this new adventure. This is how the Munsingwear golf shirt made its debut. It was comfortable enough to wear at home, but dressy enough to wear on the golf course. Penguin's name was worn by classic icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Arnold Palmer, and Clint Eastwood.
The brand made a huge come back in the early 2000's displaying a hugely trendy retro feel. Their pieces are timeless and classic, but still mold to the lifestyle of today's shopper...or golfer for that matter! Stars like Jake Gyllenhall, Brad Pitt, and Justin Timberlake have been spotted wearing Penguin too. And let's be honest, we all wish our men looked that good!
Penguin has expanded their line to incorporate womens and childrens collections along with a whole list of accessories including belts, hats, shoes, ties and more! Keep reading for more insight from Penguin Creative Director Ann Payne about their brand, fashion inspiration, and what's up with Pete the Penguin! And don't forget to go check out the Penguin merchandise we have at southmoonunder.com!
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| The Original Penguin Design Team |
What makes Penguin stand out?
We play with a lot of color, but we use it in a way that a guy is not scared to put it on.
Where do you get inspiration for your designs?
We do a lot of vintage shopping. Some of our best pattern and print ideas come from thrift shops. It could be anything from a stripe on an old gold shirt or a 50's inspired print from vintage wallpaper.
What is the Penguin fashion philosophy?
Make it fun and easy. It has to fit great and make you ready for a good time.
What would you describe as the "signature Penguin" look?
Check shirt, great fitting cotton shorts and a snug fit blazer.
Why do you think the golf shirt is such a must-have item for men?
It is easy, feels like a tee shirt but is more dressed up than a tee
What do you feel has been (or still is) the worst trend for men?
There has been a lot of lurex and sparkle lately on the European runways...Men should not glitter...enough said.
What piece or outfit looks good on every guy?
A great pair of jeans (try ours, we have 4 fits!)
A man is never fully dressed without his!?
Smile and sense of humor.
We know your brand got started because of a stuffed penguin. So is Pete the Penguin still around?!
He is! He still resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota with the son of the original Pete owner.
