J. Press FW26 Marks 125 Years with Women's Line and British

J. Press showed its FW26 runway presentation on September 9 at Capitale on Bowery in New York. The collection honors the brand's upcoming 125th anniversary, blending British heritage fabrics with modern collaborations and a new women's line.

For the first time in five decades, J. Press designed a dedicated women's collection. It adapts classic Ivy menswear staples into new silhouettes. A standout look was a midi dress with blue and gold stripes running horizontally on the bodice and vertically on the skirt. A double-breasted blazer with golden buttons was worn over the shoulders in a classic Ivy touch. Other looks translated men's staples, styling tweed blazers with slacks and pairing shirts with neckties and Fair Isle vests.

The Return of Women's Wear

Creative director Jack Carlson stated it was a great time for J. Press to relaunch women's wear. "I think there's something in the air: 'Ivy style' is taking over the runway-though J. Press, of course, is the real thing," he said. Carlson described J. Press as synonymous with a timeless, classic way of dressing that has informed American fashion. He said it hearkens back to a kinder, gentler, more erudite time.

The collection emphasizes the British origins of the Ivy style. Carlson noted that founder Jacobi Press, though not raised with British traditions, had impeccable taste. He created an idealized version of the world he imagined at Cambridge and Oxford, and on great British country estates. This vision formed the basis of American Ivy style.

Heritage Fabrics and Collaborations

This British influence was clear on the runway. The show featured signature Shetland "Shaggy Dog" sweaters made in Scotland, Irish Aran fisherman sweaters, and English neckwear and outerwear. Fabrics included Scottish cashmeres and Harris Tweeds, plus custom Cheviots and English flannels made by British mills Fox Brothers and Marling & Evans.

While many looks are traditional, like earth-toned tweed coats, others remix heritage fabrics. Patchwork fabrics, including woolen checks, were made into statement overcoats, duffle bags, and totes. The brand also announced new collaborations with Barbour, Gloverall, and Lavenham, alongside a special Made-in-Japan capsule.

The historic venue, a former bank built in 1891, provided a grand backdrop. The location had a richer effect than the New-York Historical Society used for Carlson's previous show. The FW26 presentation looks ahead to the brand's 125th anniversary, founded by Jacobi Press at Yale in 1902.