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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/62822
FASHION Perry Ellis' CEO & COO offer some insight on their successful brand 45 YEARS OF FASHION Words by Marla E. Schwartz George Feldenkreis and family internationally for its premium threads and clean lines. Featured on high-fashion catwalks and in magazines everywhere, their designs have withstood the test of time and continue to appeal to a polished clientele even 45 years later. There's no doubt that the late and great Perry Ellis would be proud to see what has become of his beloved company. If he could celebrate its 45th anniversary —he would. How will PEI commemorate the occasion? L away. I can tell you that for our 40th anniversary, we held a celebration with all our associates at our corporate headquarters," explained Joakim Wijkstrom, Chief Marketing Officer. "Besides food and festivities, the Mayor issued a proclamation in our honor, presented Mr. Feldenkreis with the key to the city and there was a street renaming ceremony, changing 107th Avenue to George Feldenkreis Way!" "We're still in the planning stages. I don't want to give too much 50 MIAMI LIVING eading global apparel and accessories company, Perry Ellis International (PEI), is celebrating their 45th anniversary. The preeminent enterprise is recognized George Feldenkreis currently serves as PEI's Chairman of the Board and CEO, and his son Oscar serves as their Vice-Chairman, President and COO. Their vision transitioned the company from a distributor of private label merchandise to a manufacturer of branded sportswear and more. These savvy businessmen offered ML their expertise and insight into their renowned brand in an exclusive Q&A —but first, here's a little history on the company. PEI's namesake founder, Perry Ellis, a Portsmouth, VA native, graduated from the College of William and Mary with a business administration degree, and master's degree in retail from New York University (1961). Perry began his career in fashion as a buyer and merchandiser at Miller & Rhoads in Richmond, VA. He co-founded A Sunny Day and joined sportswear company John Meyer in New York. While working for The Vera Companies, Perry was asked to design a fashion collection for them. In 1978, Perry, along with The Vera Companies, founded Perry Ellis International and opened his first showroom on New York's Seventh Avenue. As the chairman and head designer of modern and clean-cut styles, Ellis grew the