When Nice Guys Finish First - The Transfer Window has Opened at JPress!

I am not, by nature, someone who believes in fate, timing, etc.,. 

But every now and again, something happens that makes me question this viewpoint.

Courtesy of JPress

News (very welcome news) reached the North Shore offices of Henki Time that the founder of Rowing Blazers, Jack Carlson, has been appointed as Creative Director and President of JPress. 

Just last night, I was scrolling through various  websites, lamenting the ever shrinking amount of Ivy/Trad options. I mean, I literally had set aside a bit of coin with the intention of treating myself to a new blazer to celebrate my "newish" job (more about that later). And needless to say, I came away disappointed. In the time since Mr. Carlson left the party, there has been (in all honesty) a lack of fresh ideas in this space (Ivy/Trad).

So it was with more than a bit of a double-take when I read the full release that Jack Carlson would be taking the helm of one of America (and Japan's) most revered labels - JPress!

Here's the news, straight from the source:

J. Press is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jack Carlson as Creative Director and President. The 38-year-old American designer will debut his first collection for the brand on Thursday, the first day of New York Fashion Week. “I grew up with J. Press,” says Carlson. “I used to go to the shop in Harvard Square, and many of the first shirts, ties, and sport coats I bought for myself were J. Press. This feels like coming home. I studied the classics (literally). Much of what J. Press does is almost sacred to me: the button-downs, the blazers, the khakis, the Shaggy Dogs. J. Press also has a colorful, slightly irreverent streak that resonates with me too. I want to celebrate all of that. And I plan to bring a renewed focus on Made-in-America, as well as England, Scotland, Canada, and Japan. J. Press is one of the only menswear brands of its size still making most of its products in the United States, the old fashioned way, in places many other brands have abandoned.” Previously, Carlson founded the brand Rowing Blazers and served as its Creative Director until selling to Tory Burch co-owners Burch Creative Capital in 2024. He also led the revival of several heritage brands, including Warm & Wonderful, a knitwear label beloved by Diana, Princess of Wales. He has designed collections in partnership with Gucci, Barbour, Beams, FILA, Umbro, Noah, La Veste, Target, and more. Carlson has also designed watches in collaboration with Tag Heuer, Seiko, Zodiac, and Tudor; luggage with Globe-Trotter and LeSportsac; and footwear with Sperry and Hunter. Carlson’s designs have been worn by David Byrne, Gwyneth Paltrow, Timothée Chalamet, Keith Richards, Chloë Sevigny, Russell Westbrook, Pete Davidson, Venus Williams, Chris Briney, Ronny Chieng, Emily Ratajkowski, and Prince Albert of Monaco. His pieces have appeared in films and television shows, including Saturday Night Live, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gossip Girl, and The Crown. Carlson has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown and a doctorate from Oxford. A three-time member of the U.S. national rowing team, he is a World Championships bronze medalist and has won both the Head of the Charles and Henley Royal Regatta.

Big congratulations to Mr. Carlson!

And JPress? Get ready for greatness!