It was a pretty big night for Richard Press. His second book, Threading The Needle Volume II was released, and his life’s work, J. Press, was celebrating 120 years with the grand opening of the New Haven shop. I asked him to comment, and he was his consistently selfless self:
“Richard says that the gleaming new J. Press emporium brought him extravagant pride favored by its warmth and flawless design.”
Ok, I will do the bragging for him. 120 years is no joke. Just ask… everybody else. The brand thrived, and is thriving, but knowing exactly how to stay in its lane without being afraid to flex creatively.
From the press release:
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker joined Michinobu Yasumoto, president and CEO of J.Press /
Onward Holdings, who was in attendance from Japan, along with Richard Press –– grandson of
J.Press founder, Jacobi Press for the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. The event also
served as the official launch for Richard Press’ new book Threading the Needle Volume II giving
partygoers the opportunity for a signed copy and a first look at the new book.Located at 262 Elm Street, the new store draws a direct link to the past as it adjoins the
previous J. Press location on York Street. Measuring 1,780 square feet, the building has been
restored to its original charm and has an austere exterior featuring classic J. Press blue
awnings. The shop has been decorated with vintage furniture from the original store and
Ivy-themed bric-a-brac. This new store will offer a colorful collection of sportswear and the
classic tailored clothing that J. Press has sold in New Haven for more than a century.
From me: a company does not accomplish an order of this magnitude without character in key positions. I was supposed to attend this event but could not, so here’s what happened. Richard wrote me several warm notes of support and didn’t flinch at rescheduling the podcast. Robert Squillaro made sure I was invited and up to date, and also sent several warm notes over the last month. And Laura Arnold was kind enough to send me some photos of the event.
I wish I could have been there, and I am going to review Richard’s book in the next few weeks. Congratulations to J. Press on a remarkable fashion, retail, and commercial success.
- JB
Three Cheers, Hallelujah, and Bully for the Press family. High hopes for another 120 years of natural shouldered excellence.
I was in the shop the week before and somehow or other did not get any notice of this event.
I have been a J Press customer since 1965 and was looking forward to meeting Richard who left the New Haven store for New York before I started buying there. I can tell you this; the store is better in person than the photos show, the shaggy dog wall is extensive and impressive and the tweeds have the best, unpadded shoulders I have ever seen. The blazers, however seemed to be in transition; some two button models and some marked
“sampe”.
Congratulations and keep on thriving, it’s comforting to know you are there when I need something.
Yes!!! It would have been fun to attend. But I have my memory of the June ’22 visit to the D.C. store, which is almost as good. Almost. Plan on dropping in again the next time I visit Sis to attempt a reversal of my abysmal Scrabble losses last summer. She plays as skillfully and ruthlessly as out late mother, AND she’s just a five minute drive from J. Press.
Kind Regards,
H-U
That’s a great looking new space for J. Press! And it’s nice of Laura Arnold to contribute photos of the event to this site.
The first thing I ever bought from J. Press was a wool scarf. It was all my budget would allow at the time. I’m glad to have kept up with the company over the years as I could begin to afford more of their wares — my favorite blazers and sport coats are all J. Press, and a few Press shirts and trousers are in constant rotation.
Beautiful interior that really compliments the timelessness of a clothier we love. Bring on the bit loafers! Looking forward to the book review. I really enjoy write-ups like this. Great pics Laura!
Congratulations! J. Press has been my primary source for clothing since sometime in the early 1990s, and I am so happy that they are still going strong. I am wearing a J. Press tweed sport coat and corduroy trousers today, and it is a rare day indeed when I am not sporting at least one item of J. Press tailoring. Very best wishes for the next 120 years.
Correction: “Sample”
I like the navy rope-stripe rug.
Delighted to see the progress. When living in Hatford, made two trips to Press in NH every year. Mr York was a great fried and really looked after me. Ralph the tailor was fantastic. Mr York and I would find a bargain that was tempting………..Ralph often said, I’m sorry sir, that just won’t do. Thank you Richard for keeping the tradition going!
I did indeed notice the venerable Mr. Press’s bit loafers.
On him, they looked good, as most everything does.
Unfortunately, I also noticed the side buckle on Yasumoto-san’s shoes.
Brilliant article, absolutely brilliant development on the Ivy frontlines. Love how the press release is structured to look like a poem. Very imaginative.
Are there tassels on the bit loafers, too?
Nope sans tassels
Must just be the glare!
Oops- yep tassels
Tassels for the win!