News Roundup: Rowing Blazers, J. Press, Tailor Caid, And That Other Shop In Harvard Square

Last night Jack Carlson hosted another packed party at the Rowing Blazers pop-up shop in downtown Manhattan. The occasion was the introduction of the brand’s latest collaboration, which is with Murray’s Toggery Shop. Why work out in basic gray fleece when you can do it in Nantucket Red? 

Just the day before Rowing Blazers was featured in the New York Times under the headline, “Prep Is Everything at Rowing Blazers, But Is Prep Alone Enough?” Here’s a snippet:

… men’s wear has turned into a pachinko game. Where the ball lands, who can say? Or control?

But one place it most assuredly is not landing is in the prep arena. Prep is proper. Prep is polished. Prep is a rigid framework. It feels like a relic, not just of the 1980s, or the 1950s, but also of the 2000s, when men on the internet were first gathering around ideas about how to present themselves.

Coincidentally, last week I was interviewed by WWD apropos of RB, a new cycle of neo-prep, and even you guys in Tradsville. Will be sure and let you know right away when and if something comes of it.

I spent much of the evening catching up with neighbor, old pal, and former Ivy Style columnist DCG, aka The Millennial Fogey. We were our usual contrast of classic Ivy and Ivy Chic. It was a summer scorcher, and Dan was in short-sleeve madras shirt, khaki shorts, engine-turned belt, and penny loafers. I was dressed in [TRIGGER WARNING] bit loafers, white Levi’s cutoffs, navy linen buttondown, and skull-and-bones belt. The big news here is that Dan has left J. Press. The company was very sorry to see him go, and he’d like to return some day. But he’s happily moved on to The Armoury, which means he’ll be able to help you with all your queries about Tailor Caid, the Japanese Ivy tailor who works with the shop.

Dan says that this fall will show great improvement at J. Press, with some wonderful fresh tweeds, and next spring will be even better. Much of it is because of the new exec “Squeeze” Squillaro, who launched his career at Brooks Brothers in the twilight of its golden age.

Finally, there was a rumor going around the Rowing Blazers party that while J. Press is leaving Harvard Square, another iconic shop has found a new owner to continue the tradition. I’m in the process of seeking out the details.

Have a sun-and-fun-filled weekend. — CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD

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