Summer Bash

Much jocose persiflage at the recent Seersucker/Madras bash at the J. Press NYC headquarters on 44th Street with fumes of St. Johns Bay Rum and new Madras scent wafting into the adjacent quarters of the adjoining Yale Club lobby.

St. Johns Bay Rum imperator Rhys Moore joined me hoisting our impeccably prepared gin and tonics clueing me in on the history of his Caribbean brand. Celebrating the evening that featured the vast collection of J. Press India Madras and Seersucker merchandise, each of us sported our own hand-woven Madras sport shirt. Unfortunately, we didn’t work seersucker into the mix.

“Seventy-five years ago, he recounted, “US Navy Officer Capt. John Webb, blended the local bay rum with the island’s tropical bay leaf oils and spices as the genesis of our collection of distinctive men’s fragrances. Our iconic hand-woven palm frond bottles were inspired by Virgin Island fishing baskets, and we continue that Caribbean tradition today.

Bay leaf oil has always been sacred to Caribbean culture due to its healing nature and rich fragrance, and once Capt. Webb caught wind of this, he knew the whole world could benefit. Bay leaf oil plus native spices equals an unapologetically masculine scent—which is why St Johns Bay Rum® has been going strong for over 70 years and counting. We know the importance of staying true to tradition, which is evident in every whiff and every handwoven Fish pot Weave.”

J. Press knows a thing or two about staying true to tradition as well. Supplementing our full range of classic Ivy gems with a raft of St. Johns fragrances.

Unashamedly the oldest guy in the room, I was pridefully supplemented by a menagerie of more youthful J. Press adherents. Most of the gang was colorfully assembled in our casual summer gear fully sprayed with Mr. Moore’s Bay Rum that made me feel—

Younger than Springtime

RICHARD PRESS