Press Family Legacy

The J. Press Look has indeed evolved since the eponymous founder, my grandfather, opened the door adjacent to the Yale campus taking over the former civil war custom tailor shop Goldbaum and Press circa 1902.

His own abiding custom of dress guided the philosophy of his enterprise. My grandfather was a charismatic but scholarly individual with great leadership qualities. Colm Tóbin’s current novel The Magician describes German author Thomas Mann’s father with pristine accuracy that stood off the page as if he were describing my own grandfather. Here’s my revision of author Tobin’s take:

The flag still waves high. Two Press generations thereafter, no longer a family business, the wardrobe credentials remain extant. As a J. Press consultant, bi-weekly columnist on the company website, author of Threading the Needle, Books I & II, MC at store events, and still a paying customer. Nowadays perhaps less suited but retaining my familiar go-to: J. Press Blue Blazer, sporting breast pocket ancient madder kerchief, same bowtie, flap pocket OCBDs over khakis or letting loose with wild array of go-to-hell trousers. I still go collegiate 65 years after my time in Hanover, the whole shebang further enhanced parading J. Press Pennant Dartmouth Windbreaker, Big Green Henley boating shirt, inscribed tee shirt or sweatshirt for the gym, baseball cap on my senescent presence. Dear Old Dartmouth, bless her name.

Tilting the scale, the above picture depicts Jacobi Press’ 5th generation wardrobe supplicants, my California grandsons; NYU Tisch School of the Arts grad and now Hollywood screen writer, Jared Press with brother Weston, a recent Tulane graduate, each pridefully suited up in Press Family gear.

RICHARD PRESS