Sharing the Bloodline
The bloodline that courses through the Press family veins was encapsulated in the presentation of my father, Paul Press’s sport coats front stage in the faux campus store at the historic 2012 Ivy Style Exhibit at the Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology exhibit that I co-curated with men’s fashion authority G. Bruce Boyer.
To read this story and many more, purchase the Threading the Needle book by Richard Press.
9 comments
While most nostalgia is an illusion of present magic in remembering the past as so much better than it was, the reminiscences of Mr. Press do seem to take us honestly back to the times we should honor more, of a family business, of pride in quality offeeings to the public and by keeping safe those traditions we likewise share because by comparison with the present we can now make the more accurate distinctions relating to quality, style and substance without which we would surely devolve into the useless mediocrity of misdirected fads and unbridled modernity bringing change for it’s own sake. Progress is making things better not just different and tradition is the set of guiding principles by which we begin to know ourselves. J.Press without question established American traditions! Thank you for being a keeper for some of those who still care. JHA
So glad stores have re-opened! I hope I can get back to NYC soon ( from L.A. – I need a J. Press fix!
Thanks again for your stories- especially this one about Harris Tweed-
Love the history from the source. Keep it flowing.
My Uncle , Isadore, THE TAILOR to Robert Lazarus at F. & R. Lazarus Columbus for over 30 years introduced me to J. Press my Freshman Year 60/61. Wanting a Harris Tweed with a Smokey aroma.
What is the origin of the ticket pocket? Does it make the jacket more sporty, or is it an elegant detail that has largely been forgotten?
Monster raconteur. Always look forward to a great story. Press on. Hey that’s kinda catchy.
Really look forward to reading your blog each week,I.E. Tearing the Brooks Bros label off boys sport coat and sewing in Press label outstanding
There are two plaid jackets on the Press cover page, one with bow tie, the other with long tie. Winter? Spring/summer?
Available? Thx. vs
Wonderful! Keep these coming, please. There’s nothing like nostalgia to cheer us in these difficult days.
I grew up in New Haven and my father, Ray Jacobs, worked for J Press as a sales representative for many years from the late 30’s until he retired at the end of the 60’s, most of which time was spent as a traveling representative in many mid-eastern and southern cities such as Philadelphia, Washington,DC (before the store there), Charlottesville and others. I remember well the 262 York street store, which I visited frequently, with the sales floor on the street level with a little balcony over-looking and Mr Paul Press’s office upstairs. My dad was utterly committed to the “J Press Ivy League” look and I can remember several conflicts with him, which I always lost, as various style fads came and went during the 50"s and 60’s and I always had to have the “Ivy League” look. My dad had several health issues during his years at J Press and I will always be grateful for the many kindnesses and understanding that Paul showed to him. I am a few years younger than Richard and greatly enjoyed reading this history