A TOP American clothing company has launched its first store in Glasgow.

New York-based Original Penguin has opened at Silverburn and is selling a comp-rehensive collection exclusively for men from clothes to fragrances.

The brand which has been modelled by a host of celebrities such as actor Brad Pitt and indie rock band Arctic Monkeys dates back to 1955.

It forged a reputation for quality golf shirts which were top sellers in the USA and worn by leading sportsmen.

High-profile customers included comedians Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, American President Richard Nixon and singing icon Frank Sinatra.

Francisco G. Hoff-mann, managing direc-tor of Perry Ellis Europe, which owns the lifestyle brand, said: "Silverburn is perfect for our first store in the Glasgow region and only our second in Scotland.

"Original Penguin has a loyal following in Glasgow and we want the opportunity to display our lifestyle collections. We bring something exciting to Silverburn that comple-ments the existing retail and leisure offering."

The new outlet opened yesterday next to Debenhams.

The other Scottish store is in Aberdeen but Silverburn's general manager David Pierotti said: "We are delighted that Original Penguin has chosen the mall as the location for their first Glasgow store."

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk