PPB November 2017

and served in several positions through the years, including COO—was officially named CEO and president of Perry Ellis International in 2016. His father now serves as executive chairman of the board, a role that allows him to step back from the day-to-day operations. With his decades of experience in the fashion industry, Oscar is now steering the company into the future. Having grown up in the apparel business, you could say fashion runs in his blood. “I have always had a passion for fashion,” Oscar says. “It is a big part of my DNA.” Now that Perry Ellis International has a new leader at its helm, what’s on the horizon for the company? The younger Feldenkreis has big plans for Perry Ellis International, particularly in the promotional apparel market. He says that strategic product and geographic expansions will create additional opportunities for PEI to lead the fashion industry in bold, new directions. The company is also focusing on cutting-edge performance features such as stretch options, sun protection and fabrics resistant to water and wind. “I see opportunities for growth in creating and expanding new product categories such as wind-wear, pants and bottoms, accessories, layered pieces, and women’s wear and accessories,” Oscar says. Now that the torch is in his hand, he realizes how far the family has truly come. He says he looks forward to creating a legacy that will span generations to come, but he will never forget his family’s humble beginnings and is grateful for all his father taught him. “My father is not only my business mentor, he is also my best friend,” Oscar says. “He taught me by his example to always continue to learn and to stay humble.” Brittany Glenn is a Plano, Texas-based writer and former associate editor of PPB. Pe r r y E l l i s I n t e rna t i ona l Perry Ellis International ByThe Numbers “I see opportunities for growth in creating and expanding newproduct categories such as wind-wear, pants and bottoms, accessories, layeredpieces andwomen’swear and accessories.” —Oscar Feldenkreis, CEOandPresident of PerryEllisInternational Perry Ellis International Brands CoreGlobal Brands Perry Ellis ® Original Penguin ® Men’s Sportswear Savane ® Farah ® Cubavera ® Nike Swim ® Axist ® Manhattan ® John Henry ® Golf Brands Callaway ® PGA TOUR ® Grand Slam ® Ben Hogan ® Jack Nicklaus ® Women’s Fashion Rafaella ® Laundry by Shelli Segal ® Peony & Me ® Fashion Swim Lady Callaway Note: Statistics are for fiscal year 2017. $ 3.1 billion in global retail sales $ 861 million in revenues 150+ global licensees 71 directly operated stores 90+ licensed stores 17 sourcing countries 2,500 employees Global Office Locations United States 10 Mexico 1 Vietnam 1 Taiwan 1 China 1 Canada 1 Bangladesh 1 Europe 4 70 | NOVEMBER 2017 | THINK