World Golf Hall of Famer Chi Chi Rodriguez had swaggering style in the way he played and looked, and he shares it with a retro-yet-modern summer collection with Original Penguin by Munsingwear.
“I am thrilled to once again wear the Penguin,” Rodriguez said. “I started to wear Munsingwear on tour in the 1960s and won the first five tournaments I played in with the same shirt. I loved the way the shirt felt on me, and the looks were a little different, which was great because I was a little different and I wanted to stand out.”
The Chi Chi collection features a vibrant array of patterns and styles with a distinct color palette highlighted by tones of blue, white, red and black with a backdrop of floral patterns and prints. The design inspiration comes in part from his late wife’s love of her native Hawaii. The signature “Iwalani” floral print is created with colors and patterns representing a modern twist to a heritage style.
“The colors are exactly what my wife, Iwalani, would have picked,” Rodriguez said. “It’s almost like she designed the collection herself.”
Enhanced performance technologies and fabrics include luxe sustainable recycled yarns with elastane blends such as Repreve, 4-way stretch, lightweight blends and moisture-wicking UPF sun protection.
The special Penguin logo is inspired by Chi Chi’s iconic fedora. Highlights of the Chi Chi capsule include classic polos, floral print shorts and colorful trousers, T-shirts, a sweater hoodie and, of course, a Heritage Fedora.
“The Chi Chi Rodriguez collection fully incorporates what it means to be an original,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “El Toreador (“the bullfighter”) is a true icon in the game and one of the most popular golfers of all time. This collection perfectly reflects his distinct style, from his hallmark fedora to his signature ‘sword dance’ celebration.”
PHOTOS COURTESY ORIGINAL PENGUIN