J. Press was founded in 1902 on the campus of Yale University, establishing an authentic collegiate aesthetic that helped define the preppy style so popular today. Just in time for New York Fashion Week, J. Press presents its women’s collection, the first in nearly 50 years. Led by Creative Director Jack Carlson, the capsule is intentional in its design and approach. It marks an important moment for the brand as only the second women’s collection in J. Press history.

“Since I joined J. Press a little over a year ago, I’ve been asked to launch women’s almost daily. J. Press makes the best Oxford shirts, navy blazers, and tweed sport coats in the world. And the J. Press Shaggy Dog sweater is an icon in its own right. So why not make them in women’s? These things are for everyone. They look great on everyone,” says Carlson.

The classics of J. Press appear throughout: Shaggy Dog and Fair Isle sweaters, tweeds, and blazers. Other styles round out the collection, including taffeta skirts and tailored trousers. The collection maintains the “Ivy League” aesthetic that made the brand so popular, while incorporating modern elements and more traditionally feminine silhouettes.

To introduce the collection, J. Press launched a campaign capturing the pieces on faded film. Set against an academic backdrop, the campaign highlights the collection’s versatility through a spectrum of styles. In one image, a model wears a striped tie and tweed blazer, the height of preppy fashion. In another, the aesthetic is more subtle, pairing a voluminous skirt with a simple sweater and a collar peeking out beneath. The campaign aptly presents J. Press’ return to womenswear, marking a successful new chapter for the historic brand.