With a Ph.D. in history from Oxford, a World Championships medal, and books authored since the of eleven, Jack Carlson would seem poised to do just about anything (I didn’t even mention his global network of distinguished contacts, including myself, of course). Which is why it’s a bit surprising he’d want to dive into the fashion industry, but I suppose when you’ve got a clothing bug you need to get it out somehow.
Jack’s brand Rowing Blazers stemmed inevitably from his book on the history of the often-garish uniforms of pride and honor. And for the past couple of weeks he’s operated a pop-up shop on a hip block in New York’s Lower East Side, a few doors down from Freemans Sporting Club.
It’s in a glass box not unlike the Apple store on Fifth Avenue, all the better for passersby to become intrigued by the historic bric-a-brac, trad-inspired clothes, and one-off vintage items for sale. The first week was a hit so it was extended through this one. Check it out at 2 Rivington Street. — CC
Envious of all you NYC-based readers. I’ve been hoping that Rowing Blazers would make some sort of Boston appearance for Head of the Charles this year.
I picked up a great t-shirt there last week. I am eyeing some of their rugby shirts and neckties, too!
What’s up with the Rowing Blazers OCBD? Is that an old shirt or a new shirt made to look old?
JLH:
Allow me to introduce you to a search engine called “Google”, where you will find the answer to your question:
https://rowingblazers.com/products/busted-seam-button-down-shirt-blue-distressed-oxford-with-busted-seams
What’s next? Sun-bleached navy polo shirts?
Thank you Greg for the kind response.
Looks like he was bitten by the Castleberry bug. Again.
If I ever felt a need for a “rowing blazer” might be more likely to get one for $125.00 from Samuel Windsor rather than get one for $995.00 from Rowing Blazers.
https://www.samuel-windsor.com/shop.cfm/jackets/summer-blazers/73/9514
Having been softened up by the 20-year debate in the guitar world over “relic-ed” instruments, I’m perfectly OK with a relic-ed OCBD as long as it looks as casual/whimsical as this one. But it’s making me rue the day back in the ’80s when I tossed out my very first OCBD (from Langrock) solely because it was starting to look like that.
The pop-up shop is beautifully done: layered, branded and curated as expected. But a tattered OCBD for sale? Really?
I get the whole “I’m an old money preppy and I have had this shirt for 20 years and that’s why I’m old money” but really?
Remember the time when we left the house looking like we had a little dignity? Instead of looking like a slob.
If you want to see how a real gentleman dresses reference some of the previous posts here about the Esquire fashion illustrations of the 30’s and 40’s. I don’t recall a tattered OCBD in sight.
I’m having trouble getting past the ersatz frayed OBCDs and of course the association with Castleberry.
I don’t see an association with FEC outside the book they worked on a few years ago.
And I had a pleasant chat with Fred at a Drake’s event last week. It had been a long time.
He was wearing one of Jack’s RB caps, so I guess there’s an association after all.
Personally I’ve been getting a lot of wear out of Jack’s chess king cap.