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The Sunshine Economy

The Sunshine Economy: Miami's 'Minuscule' Fashion Industry

Penguin, Perry Ellis and Jantzen are some of the global fashion brands that trace their corporate ownership to the Doral headquarters of Perry Ellis International.

Over several decades George Feldenkreis built the company into the firm it is today selling $1 billion worth of merchandise worldwide.

Feldenkreis came to Miami from Cuba in 1961 and began by manufacturing and distributing auto parts. Instead of bushings and pistons, Feldenkreis oversees a business today that includes fashion design, manufacturing, technology, distribution, licensing and retailing.

RELATED: The Sunshine Economy: Fashion

He calls South Florida's fashion industry "minuscule" because of two significant challenges. He explained those challenges to host Tom Hudson on WLRN's Sunshine Economy.

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Tom Hudson is WLRN's Senior Economics Editor and Special Correspondent.