Jack Carlson, the innovative mind behind the prep-inspired fashion label Rowing Blazers, has taken on the dual role of creative director and president at J. Press. This move heralds a new era for the esteemed Ivy League fashion house, which was established at Yale University in 1902. Carlson’s initial collection for J. Press is slated to be unveiled at New York Fashion Week this Thursday, signifying the brand's inaugural presence at the prestigious event. Carlson's extensive background as a designer, archaeologist, and published author, holding a Ph.D. from Oxford, offers a distinctive perspective on the intersection of heritage and contemporary style within the fashion realm. His successful track record of reinvigorating legacy brands, evident in Rowing Blazers' embrace of iconic pieces like those famously worn by Princess Diana, positions him as an ideal leader to infuse a fresh, modern sensibility into J. Press. With ambitious goals to expand the brand tenfold by 2030 and establish new retail locations in major U.S. cities, this appointment clearly indicates J. Press's determined effort to reassert its prominence in the American menswear landscape.
J. Press Welcomes Jack Carlson as New Creative Visionary and Leader
In a significant development within the fashion industry, Jack Carlson, the acclaimed founder of Rowing Blazers, has been appointed as the new creative director and president of J. Press, an iconic brand deeply rooted in Ivy League heritage since its inception at Yale University in 1902. This pivotal announcement was made on September 8th, 2025. Carlson's deep personal connection to J. Press, stemming from his formative years frequenting its Harvard Square store and building a wardrobe from its classic offerings, makes this new role a natural progression. He emphasized his intention to honor the brand's sacred staples—such as button-down shirts, khakis, blazers, and the distinctive “Shaggy Dog” sweaters—while also embracing its subtle rebellious spirit that resonates with his own aesthetic. Under Carlson's guidance, J. Press is preparing for its groundbreaking debut at New York Fashion Week this Thursday, an unprecedented step for the century-old institution. His unique blend of academic rigor and contemporary design flair is expected to shepherd J. Press into a new phase, aiming for substantial growth and a revitalized presence in major American markets.
This strategic leadership change at J. Press underscores the evolving dynamics within the fashion industry, where historical brands seek to blend their rich legacies with fresh, contemporary visions. Carlson's appointment is a testament to the power of a deep understanding and appreciation for heritage, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to design and market expansion. It inspires other legacy brands to consider innovative partnerships that can breathe new life into their storied histories, appealing to both loyal patrons and a new generation of consumers. The fashion world will undoubtedly watch closely as J. Press embarks on this exciting new chapter under Carlson's creative direction, anticipating how tradition and modernity will intertwine on the runway and beyond.