Richard Chai designs for Original

Penguin
September 06, 2010 (USA)
Richard Chai designs for Original

Award-winning designer Richard Chai has created an exclusive, limited-edition collection for Original Penguin, the classic American lifestyle brand. "Richard Chai for Original Penguin" will debut as a teaser Spring 2011 collection at the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, with a full collection available for Fall 2011.

The line is inspired by iconic Original Penguin pieces re-envisioned by Chai in his signature style of elegant tailoring infused with a shot of color and splash of wit.

"I'm very excited to be designing with Original Penguin," says Richard Chai. "I love the idea of searching Penguin's archives for classic vintage pieces to be reworked in a completely unique way."

The Spring 2011 offering of six to eight unique pieces will be featured during the Richard Chai Menswear fashion show in New York City this September. This teaser capsule will offer a sophisticated spin on signature Original Penguin pieces – classic polo knits reworked into ombre stripes, with interesting rib details, and cotton cardigans adorned with graphic prints and trims. Priced between $95 and $150, these pieces will be available in stores February 2011.

The complete Fall 2011 collection, to be unveiled in stores September 2011, will offer close to 25 unique pieces priced at $95 for knits, to $400 for outerwear. This collection will showcase Chai's fashion artistry, classic tailoring, love of quirky prints, and downtown sensibility.

"Richard and Original Penguin share an aesthetic – smart, classic clothes with a touch of modern whimsy," says Ann Payne, Creative Director of Original Penguin. "Richard is creating for us something totally new, while at the same time staying true to the roots of our heritage brand."

The "Richard Chai for Original Penguin" Spring teaser and the Fall 2011 collection will be available at OriginalPenguin.com, Original Penguin brick-and-mortar stores and select luxury retailers throughout the United States and Europe.

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. Original Penguin has grown into a complete lifestyle brand creating classic sportswear apparel and accessory collections for men, women and boys who love great style and smart clothing. Currently, Original Penguin has 23 brick-and-mortar locations worldwide.

Original Penguin