In previous columns and a chapter in Threading the Needle – Book 1, I radiantly rehashed the wherewithal of the J. Press Fall/Winter Brochure.
Tom Wolfe, white-suited chronicler of American culture, also checked in via his The Secret Vice 1966 essay published in The New York Herald Tribune.
“At Yale and Harvard,” he noted, “sex is not taboo. But when the catalogue comes from Brooks Brothers and J. Press, that’s something they whip out only in private. And they can hardly wait. They’re in the old room there poring over all that tweedy thatchy language about ‘Our Exclusive Shirtings, ‘The Finest Lairdsmoor Heather Hopsacking,’ ‘Clear Spun Rocking Druid Worsteds’ and searching like detectives, the shirt with the flap over the breast pocket (J. Press) …”
Kindly excuse my perspicacity, but our new brochure is a doozy unmatched by the rag trade in whatever form, digital or print. Here’s my introductory take on the brochure’s theme headlined— Staying The Course:
AS MEN GRAPPLE with the suit and tie no longer required as standard office garb, the trend toward casual office wear need not reflect untucked slobbery unfortunately seen on the sidewalks today. Dig into our unmatched multitude of sport coats featuring Donegal Mist, Harris Tweeds, Shetlands, and Cashmeres. Butter the roll with our well-bred Shaggy Dog hand brushed Shetland sweater classics or add on with Cashmere cable knits, Lambswool or outré Shetland fancies. Much more on pages ahead.
J. Press stands alone as Menswear Tribune of Classic American Style. My grandfather’s wardrobe philosophy so deeply engrained in my genes continues to set J. Press apart from the fast-fashion retailers chasing the latest fads and sacrificing quality for low cost and high profit margins. His number one rule—POLICE THE QUALITY OF THE CRAFT.
My closing dictum, “Read on and follow the fold.”
RICHARD PRESS
6件のコメント
Fully concur Mr. Press. Awaiting my Fall Winter J.Press Brochure. I guess it take a while to get to Texas.
Richard – the “old school” was the best school. I became a J. Press customer in the 60’s and remain one today. I have such fond memories of York Street that I even named a business venture “York Street Partners.” Your store was perfectly situated – the DKE bar to the left, the Mory’s bar to the right, and you nestled in the middle. An old school trifecta. Paradise Enow ! Cheers. Franklin Levy
Richard, thanks for another inciteful comment. I am “old school” and think suits and ties should be worn to the office, not a
suit without a tie. I spent 26 years at IBM and wore a suit, tie and a white shirt every day to the office.
Keep your posts coming, we look forward to them.
Charlie Hotchkiss
Charleston, SC
Richard thanks again for an incisive article. I am definitely “old school”
I cannot believe what I see professional men wear on the streets and offices of Park Ave and midtown Manhattan. Sneakers, wrinkled khakis, untucked shirts, and fleece vests. When you dress your part, it’s easier to communicate to others who you are. I’d be confused if I went into a pharmacy and the pharmacist came out looking like he’s ready to go camping. The same with a professional businessman. How you dress communicates who you are. As for leisure time, going to a high end restaurant, resort, or cruise ship, I see the dress codes for dressing for dinner and the evening have collapsed. Where’s the “sense of occasion” when surrounded by a sea of khakis and T-shirts.