Perry Ellis International Announces It Will Resume Manufacturing Dress Shirts

Perry Ellis International (NASDAQ:PERY) announced yesterday that it has agreed with Smart Apparel (U.S.) Inc. to end its license agreement for men’s dress shirts under the Perry Ellis and Perry Ellis Portfolio brands. Under the amended agreement Smart Apparel will continue to manufacture and distribute Perry Ellis dress shirts until December 31, 2010. Effective January 1, 2011, Perry Ellis International will take over all aspects of its dress shirt business. Smart Apparel will continue producing Perry Ellis International’s tailored clothing including men’s suits, suit separates, and sport jackets, which are available at major department stores nationwide.

“Smart Apparel remains a key component and partner for Perry Ellis International, and we would like to thank the Company for its hard work, dedication and expertise in producing our dress shirts over the last two years. However, as our Perry Ellis Collection business continues to gain momentum in the department store channel, we feel there are several new synergies within our current product assortment that can be leveraged to maximize our Perry Ellis business and continue to fuel the growth within the brand,” commented George Feldenkreis, Chairman and CEO of Perry Ellis International.

About Perry Ellis International

Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men's and women's apparel, accessories, and fragrances. The Company's collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress and casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear and men's and women's swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands including Perry Ellis®, Jantzen®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, C&C California®, Cubavera®, Centro®, Solero®, Munsingwear®, Savane®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Grand Slam®, Natural Issue®, Pro Player®, the Havanera Co.®, Axis®, Tricots St. Raphael®, Gotcha®, Girl Star®, MCD® John Henry®, Mondo di Marco®, Redsand®, Manhattan®, Axist® and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties including Pierre Cardin® for men’s sportswear, Nike® and Jag® for swimwear, and Callaway Golf®, TOP-FLITE®, PGA TOUR® and Champions Tour® for golf apparel. Additional information on the Company is available at http://www.pery.com.