The New York Fashion Week Fall 2025 season opened up with a throwback to classic American fashion when Jack Carlson, founder of Rowing Blazers, premiered his first collection for J. Press. The line is decidedly Ivy League and brings classic elegance back into preppy fashions with just the perfect amount of newness added onto it. Known for mixing heritage and modern touches, Carlson will now lead this historic menswear brand as part of its relaunch plans—and that means a new chapter for J. Press. Opening at the original home of J. Press on Madison Avenue, the event shared some moments out of the label’s 119-year history. That debut was particularly special; here are some of its highlights and why if you’re into fashion, you’ll want to keep a close eye.
Bringing Ivy League Traditions Back to Life
Jack Carlson’s Dream
Jack Carlson, the designer who made Rowing Blazers a hit, walks into J. Press with plenty of reverence for its heritage. Born in 1902, J. Press has lived long enough to cement its place as a house code of Ivy League prep—think wool blazers and oxford shirts and loafers worn by Yale and Harvard grads. “J.Press is the original Ivy League brand,” says Carlson, “and I’m excited to honor that while making it relevant today.” His collection contains classic tailoring refreshed with little touches here and there- slimmer fits, some bolder patterns to catch a new generation’s eye.
Show Setting and Feel
The show happened more like walking into some clubroom of the 1920s. Models literally walked through the Madison Avenue store amidst old wooden panels and brass fixtures. Soft jazz playing in the background took one back to that golden age of American menswear. “This isn’t about flash—it’s about quiet confidence,” shares Carlson on why he went for such a close, intimate feel. Attending were style icons, Ivy-league alums, and influencers who snapped pics of classic looks.
Key Items from Fall 2025 Collection
Standout Blazers and Jackets
Blazers make up the line because blazers are what J. Press is. Carlson has reimagined the wool sack suit in navy and gray tweeds with natural shoulders and brass buttons. One, dubbed the “Yale Blazer,” tips its cap toward the brand’s Yale heritage with quiet blue piping. For something a bit more contemporary, he tosses harrington jackets in corduroy into the mix – great for layering come fall. Pieces start at $695.
Comfy Shirts and Sweaters for Daily Style
Button-downs stay in place made of soft cottons with spread collars to add more edge. Carlson brought in chambray shirts in shades of blue, perfect for relaxed Fridays. Sweaters become even cozier with cable-knit crewnecks made out of shetland wool offered in both cream and forest green. “These are the building blocks of an Ivy wardrobe,” Carlson said. The pricing starts at $125 for shirts and goes up to $295 for sweaters making them attainable, yet still on the luxe side.
Pants will have pleated wool trousers charcoal and khaki, maintaining shape with comfort. Carlson put them together with half-belt knickers for sportiness, echoing rowing club uniforms. Notably in the outerwear category are loden coats presented in olive green lined with tartan wool — classic pieces priced $450-$1,200 that speak directly to East Coast autumns.
The color story stays extremely true to Ivy roots: navy, gray, oxford blue, and camel remain dominant with pops of school-spirited crimson red. In avoidance of the use of bright hues, Carlson sticks with muted tones that fade beautifully as they age. “It’s about versatility-wear it to class or a cocktail party,” he said.
Wool from Italian mills, crisp cottons out of Egypt, and cashmere blends for softness. Some sustainable elements were incorporated by Carlson including recycled wool used in some blazers targeting the eco-friendly consumer. Artisanal touches through details such as horn buttons and pick-stitching make every garment feel like it should be handed down.
No Ivy outfit is complete without the ties and belts. Rep stripe ties in school colors and leather belts with brass buckles, socks in argyle, and loafers in cordovan leather complete the wardrobe. All these add-ons from $50 up to $300 inspire mixing and matching.
Fast style makes Carlson’s first show tap into a want for long-lasting looks. J. Press has clothed leaders and writers, and this line keeps that while changing for 2025. Checkers at WWD said it is “a love note to American suit making,” lauding its mix of custom and newness.
The Mark Made by Rowing Blazers on Carlson
Rowing clothes were what Carlson was best at. His 2017 startup, Rowing Blazers brought old sports coats back to life with some added coolness. At J. Press, he brings that wave, making prep look new again. “I want men to feel powerful yet playful,” he shared.
Sustainability and Inclusivity
Carlson puts a focus on ethical sourcing and size inclusivity up to 3X. That plays into J. Press’s own drive for wider welcome, past the high table set to average joes with a taste for classic lines.
This collection drops online and in stores on September 15, 2025. Prices run between $125 and $1,200 with bundle deals for full outfits. Pop-ups at Ivy campuses this fall. Carlson teases a women’s line next year to continue the legacy.
TIFF 2025 closes, NYFW opens. Carlson’s show fits right with the runways of Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne—a wash of heritage coming down the season. Fashion, like film, can be something that speaks to stories about identity and change.
Early adopters have taken to social media to rave about the fit of the blazers. With a cult following already built into J. Press, sales are expected to be robust among millennial prep re-finders. Carlson’s debut as a menswear maestro is cemented.
J. Press under Jack Carlson looks like homecoming to the better version of classic style. The Fall 2025 collection is not just clothing but, indeed, a festivity of American roots with a look toward tomorrow. Whether getting dressed for alumni weekend or daily wear, these pieces assure you that confidence is at home here. As NYFW comes in hot, Carlson’s vision is raising the bar for mixing up history.
