Perry Ellis International (NASDAQ: PERY), a leading designer of men's fashion and swim apparel, announced today that Oscar De La Hoya has signed an agreement to endorse the company's John Henry line of men's sportswear.

"We are proud to be associated with Mr. De La Hoya," said George Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis International Chairman and CEO.

"Oscar is not only a wonderful person that contributes to his community and serves as a role model to millions of Americans, but he is a true fashion icon with strong appeal to the John Henry target. He is the ideal spokesperson to represent one of America's great brands," said George Feldenkreis, CEO and Chairman, Perry Ellis International.

"I am extremely proud of my relationship with the John Henry brand and Perry Ellis International," said Oscar De La Hoya.

"John Henry has always stood for the highest level of fashion and quality. I proudly wore John Henry boxing shorts and am pleased to reestablish my relationship with a brand that provides consumers with the quality apparel they desire. I am proud to represent the John Henry brand again and I look forward to a successful partnership."

"The John Henry brand is a contemporary business casual lifestyle brand, whose core customer is the man who understands quality, fashion and style," said Oscar Feldenkreis, President and COO, Perry Ellis International,

"Additionally, the Latin consumer segment is emerging as one of the hottest opportunities for John Henry and fashion providers today. This customer is brand loyal, fashion conscious, and favorable to brands that are specifically marketed to the Hispanic consumer. As a result, Oscar de la Hoya is the ideal spokesperson for the John Henry brand."

De La Hoya will be featured in John Henry advertising and he will be available for limited in-store appearances.

John Henry is heavily advertised through national magazines such as Men's Health, GQ, Sports Illustrated and through Hispanic publications such as People en Espanol.

The John Henry brand has strong distribution at Sears and Mervyn's in addition to other retail outlets