Recent reporting on cultural groupings has undergone change referring to alleged coteries of both the suburban and urban top tier from Preppies to The Blazer and Slacks Crowd. Times haven’t changed much since way back 45 years ago when the above picture told a J. Press story.
Back in an earlier era yours truly was hardly a fashion show plate although I defer to the guy I was selling. The New York Times Magazine June 15, 1980–3-page double column story by cultural connoisseur Jesse Kornbluth was widely heralded:
NEW BOOST FOR THE OLD GUARD
THIS SEASON, MEN’S WEAR DESIGNERS HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL STYLES, AND NOW MORE AND MORE MEN ARE DISCOVERING THE STORES LONG SYNONYMOUS WITH CONSERVATIVE GOOD TASTE
The philosophy that has motivated J. Squeeze (acronym of the cognoscenti) remains unchanged and according to Kornbluth, “As a general rule, though J. Press takes a fashion position that defies time. Lapel widths are within a quarter inch of what they’ve been for 30 years, and the high notch and wide upper lapel of all J. Press suit jackets and sport coats remain unchanged. The store still regularly sells out of chinos, which Richard Press calls the dungarees of the establishment.”
Kornbluth’s roman à clef remains true today. His 1980 definition of Preppy,
” …a marketing concept that has been wantonly applied to the button-down-collar, khaki pants and boating shoes look, without any regard for workmanship, purity of line or wearability.”
In the meantime, per my pic 45 years ago, J. Press continues to outfit the Blazer and Slacks Crowd be they 1960s JFK Camelot aficionados, 1980s preppy snobs or those at top of their game that choose to dress unlike the brethren imitating the head roadie at a heavy metal concert.
RICHARD PRESS
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There’s a last time for everything. Just returned from a Viking cruise up the Mississippi. The river was muddy; our shipmates cruddy. With the exception of yours truly not a blazer or tie in sight. Not wish to be a snob, but rarely have I suffered such a crowd of ill-clothed, ill-mannered and ill-bred individuals in what was touted as an upscale experience.
Here’s to the “Blazer and Slacks Crowd.” May they/we continue to set an example.
I often feel when in a J Press store, that I could happily buy and wear any item of clothing and it would be in just the style, color, and cut that I want. It’s hard to shop when everything is so tasteful and attractive.
The classics never go out of style!!!!!!!!!
I so wish to thank J Press for upholding the standards of classical style and taste