Ex-Squeeze-Me, Sir, Can You Tell Me How To Get To J. Press?
November 3, 2017
“Excuse me, sir,” tradly dressed locals are likely to hear from visitors to New York. “Can you tell me how to get to J. Press?”
Now those of us who’ve been singled-out for directions because of such clues as our 3/2 button stances, collar rolls and hook vents can gladly answer, “Why yes, it’s on 44th Street by Grand Central, just around the corner from the Yale Club.”
After years of absence, J. Press’ strategy of waiting for the ideal location to reopen a New York store has paid off. This week it made a glorious return to 44th Street at an ideal location just a block from Brooks Brothers and in the same building as the Yale Club, which serves the university J. Press has been so closely linked to since its founding in 1902 in New Haven, CT.
The store was opened at a breakneck pace and still has a few kinks to work out (virtually none of which are visible to a casual shopper’s eye), but it looks like it has a chance to be a great hit. Its location is very much central to with endless amounts of foot traffic going by, thanks to Grand Central Station/Terminal being right across the street. And yet it feels more like a destination, to use the common retail phrase, than the previous location at Madison at 47th, where it was among a long line of retail shops. It should have good eye appeal to new customers.
The store has a modern feel with classic decor touches. Ivy Style contributor DCG says it has a certain “Mad Men” feel to it, and I think he’s right.
The opening party last night was full and festive. So without further hesitation, here’s the new New York J. Press store — and apologies for my struggles with the lighting. — CC
Windows:
Stepping inside:
Party time! Here’s Robert Wolf, store employee and musician who played at DCG’s wedding. Need a band for a gig? Call the store and ask for him.
Mr. Mort meets Mr. Press:
Suit, vest, bit loafers:
Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers:
On the right, Ivy Style contributor and former Andover Shop employee Al Castiel III:
DCG and CC:
CC and Jay Walter, who made the blazer he’s wearing:
Handsome Dan icons: The pup himself, happy in his new home.
– whether or not it’s this way in person, the photos make the new space look like it has a very mid-century vibe (in the best way) – the wood veneers; the flat glass cases; etc.
– the clothes and accessories look to be presented nicely, without over-knick-knackization of the counters and shelves; and
– attendees looked like quite the Trad Rogues Gallery: Al striking his standard pose; DCG flashing his friendly smile; Jack’s sandpapered collars waiting to be asked about; and CC’s One Beard To Rule Them All.
That pink Shetland in the top photo resembles a chewed piece of bubblegum, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s risen right to the top of my winter acquirement list.
One more reason to trek to NYC around the holidays (or after, for the expected sales).
Congrats to JPress for this fabulous new location, it might be a small step for the world but it means a lot to all of us, “tradstylers”, even in Europe.
It’s an important symbol that Ivy-style will live encore et encore;
A Special thought for my friend @Daniel.Calvert.Greenwood: Dan, you’re a happy man to work in such a place!!!!
Longue vie à JPress and Ivy-Style!!
Mazeltov!!
Did they have to pin the backs of those jackets on the dummies to exaggerate the waist suppression, thereby ruining the jackets’ appearance? If, in fact, the jackets haven’t been pinned, but are actually cut that way, it’s even worse.
We’ll hear no more ill-omened owl
To joy we soar, despite your scowl!
-The Mikado
Loved seeing old friends and new, and couldn’t be happier or more honored by the well-wishes of pleased customers. Most especially it was humbling to see Richard and Vida Press and think on the esteem their presence and approval lends to the new store.
I’m also sad to say I missed seeing Jerry Haber’s son but was told he stopped by. Mr. Haber, again thank you for the privilege of your visit and we can only hope to do your late father’s memory, alive and thriving among his many friends, it’s due prestige.
Thank you Mr. Greenwood (DCG) for your accolades about my Dad,Jerry Haber. It truly warms my heart to hear that so many people like yourself miss my Father and that you continue to keep his memory alive! I would also like to thank my Father’s customers and for their support throughout the years.
Moreover, it was a privilege for me, to visit the new J. Press store last night and I am only sorry that I missed seeing Mr. Greenwood and Christian Chensvold. I would also like to thank Mr. Justin Spaeth for an excellent shopping experience and the store from my perspective looks great!
I was most satisfied with my purchase last night!
I am also excited by the news that Mr.Jay Walter and Tom Davis will be coming on board! Moreover, I continue to enjoy reading with enthusiasm and delight Mr. Richard Press’s wonderful articles and I am always starving for more great stories about the history and future of J. Squeeze.
Also, on a very reflective note- I would like to pay homage to the great J. Press Salesmen that I had the privilege of working with over the years when I worked part-time at J. Press from 1976-1991. It was an absolute thrill to work with such great and talented New York Clothing Salesman including: Henry Press, Ken Trommers, Peter Rossetti and finally my late wonderful Father, Jerry Haber.
Finally, I am sure that we can all agree that the future of J. Press is in good hands and that another great era has just been launched.
The new store looks wonderful, as do the revellers. And is that a tab collar on Mr. Wolfe? It looks wonderful too. So glad to have J. Press back on 44th Street, and I look forward to visiting when I’m next in town.
All my deceased Press forebears would join me saluting Grandpa’s eponymous flagship haunt back on good old 44th Street.
Good news. Once BB, Chipp and Press adjoined on 44th St.
A few observations:
– whether or not it’s this way in person, the photos make the new space look like it has a very mid-century vibe (in the best way) – the wood veneers; the flat glass cases; etc.
– the clothes and accessories look to be presented nicely, without over-knick-knackization of the counters and shelves; and
– attendees looked like quite the Trad Rogues Gallery: Al striking his standard pose; DCG flashing his friendly smile; Jack’s sandpapered collars waiting to be asked about; and CC’s One Beard To Rule Them All.
I’ll be sure to pop in the next time I’m in town!
Mazel tov!
That pink Shetland in the top photo resembles a chewed piece of bubblegum, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s risen right to the top of my winter acquirement list.
One more reason to trek to NYC around the holidays (or after, for the expected sales).
Congrats to JPress for this fabulous new location, it might be a small step for the world but it means a lot to all of us, “tradstylers”, even in Europe.
It’s an important symbol that Ivy-style will live encore et encore;
A Special thought for my friend @Daniel.Calvert.Greenwood: Dan, you’re a happy man to work in such a place!!!!
Longue vie à JPress and Ivy-Style!!
Mazeltov!!
Did they have to pin the backs of those jackets on the dummies to exaggerate the waist suppression, thereby ruining the jackets’ appearance? If, in fact, the jackets haven’t been pinned, but are actually cut that way, it’s even worse.
We’ll hear no more ill-omened owl
To joy we soar, despite your scowl!
-The Mikado
Loved seeing old friends and new, and couldn’t be happier or more honored by the well-wishes of pleased customers. Most especially it was humbling to see Richard and Vida Press and think on the esteem their presence and approval lends to the new store.
I’m also sad to say I missed seeing Jerry Haber’s son but was told he stopped by. Mr. Haber, again thank you for the privilege of your visit and we can only hope to do your late father’s memory, alive and thriving among his many friends, it’s due prestige.
In the parlance of the times…
??????
I swear I typed ‘its’…
Thank you Mr. Greenwood (DCG) for your accolades about my Dad,Jerry Haber. It truly warms my heart to hear that so many people like yourself miss my Father and that you continue to keep his memory alive! I would also like to thank my Father’s customers and for their support throughout the years.
Moreover, it was a privilege for me, to visit the new J. Press store last night and I am only sorry that I missed seeing Mr. Greenwood and Christian Chensvold. I would also like to thank Mr. Justin Spaeth for an excellent shopping experience and the store from my perspective looks great!
I was most satisfied with my purchase last night!
I am also excited by the news that Mr.Jay Walter and Tom Davis will be coming on board! Moreover, I continue to enjoy reading with enthusiasm and delight Mr. Richard Press’s wonderful articles and I am always starving for more great stories about the history and future of J. Squeeze.
Also, on a very reflective note- I would like to pay homage to the great J. Press Salesmen that I had the privilege of working with over the years when I worked part-time at J. Press from 1976-1991. It was an absolute thrill to work with such great and talented New York Clothing Salesman including: Henry Press, Ken Trommers, Peter Rossetti and finally my late wonderful Father, Jerry Haber.
Finally, I am sure that we can all agree that the future of J. Press is in good hands and that another great era has just been launched.
Best,Jeffrey Haber
Thanks for the kind messages from Rene and Paul!
The new store looks wonderful, as do the revellers. And is that a tab collar on Mr. Wolfe? It looks wonderful too. So glad to have J. Press back on 44th Street, and I look forward to visiting when I’m next in town.