J. Press Icons

Brandon Mitchell heads marketing at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, an educational nonprofit dedicated to the contemporary practice of traditional architecture, design, and placemaking, which is conveniently located just down the street from J. Press’s New York shop on West 44th Street.

"Dressing is a joy. Dressing for the city, doubly. Whether or not clothes make the man, they at least make this man select his watering hole according to the threads on his back. Knits, tweeds, and flannels might entice me to a beer or two at Ear Inn, while a pinstripe suit and pinned tie is sure to shoot me straight into the Monkey Bar for a martini. (I want it on record that I’d sit at Jimmy’s Corner in anything from a boiler suit to white tie and tails.)

I can’t conceive of New York City without sack suits, navy blazers, and button-down (or tab!) collars, and J. Press remains the ne plus ultra of the aesthetic. Incidentally, although a navy blazer is versatile and so often dressed down, I love wearing it at its stuffiest. There’s that Dick Carroll (hi Dick!) illustration of Upper West Side and Upper East Side style. I’m definitely East. I’m usually dressing for that martini after all."