Recent York Fashion Week wasn’t just about the clothes this season. A quiet revolution unfolded on the runways, one measured not in hemlines but in meticulously chosen vintage timepieces. Whereas Ralph Lauren’s fall/winter 2026 collection showcased the brand’s enduring elegance, a parallel narrative emerged from the J. Press show, where every look was thoughtfully paired with a vintage wristwatch, a detail that sparked a conversation about the often-overlooked role of accessories in high fashion. The absence of watches on the Ralph Lauren runway, noted by vintage watch dealer Eric Wind, highlighted a growing appreciation for the complete picture of style—a picture that, for many enthusiasts, isn’t complete without a watch on the wrist.
The J. Press show, helmed by president and chief creative officer Jack Carlson, wasn’t simply a display of clothing; it was a curated exhibition of American heritage, drawing heavily from the aesthetic codified in the 1965 style guide, Take Ivy. Carlson, who previously founded Rowing Blazers, partnered with Wind Vintage to select 37 watches from the Take Ivy era to complement the collection. This collaboration wasn’t accidental. It was a deliberate attempt to present Ivy League style not as a nostalgic throwback, but as a living, breathing influence on contemporary menswear. The pairing of classic garments with carefully chosen vintage watches underscored a commitment to authenticity and a nuanced understanding of how accessories can elevate a look.
A Nod to ‘Take Ivy’ and the Golden Age of American Style
Take Ivy, a photographic study of Ivy League campus fashion created by four Japanese students, remains a touchstone for classic American style. The book, which documented the wardrobes of students at Yale, Harvard, and Princeton, captured a specific moment in time—the 1960s—but its influence continues to resonate today. Carlson explained that J. Press, prominently featured in the original Take Ivy, felt a natural connection to the book’s aesthetic. “The Ivy League look may be trending, but for J. Press, it isn’t a trend—it’s our heritage,” he said. The brand’s decision to relaunch a special edition of Take Ivy alongside the collection further cemented this connection.
The choice to incorporate vintage watches wasn’t merely about aesthetics; it was about historical accuracy. Wind, a leading expert in vintage timepieces, focused on selecting watches that would have been realistically worn by students, professors, and young professionals during the 1950s and 60s. “For the watches, we focused on pieces that would feel authentic to that Ivy League context—understated, refined, and historically appropriate rather than flashy,” Wind explained. The selection included classic dress watches with clean dials and leather straps, as well as iconic models like Rolex Datejusts and Heuer chronographs, all available for purchase at Wind Vintage.
The Missing Link: Why Watches Matter on the Runway
Wind’s observation about the lack of watches at the Ralph Lauren show—a brand synonymous with timeless American style—struck a chord with many in the watch community. “Even the Ralph Lauren show—there were no watches on the wrist. It’s like, ‘Where are the watches, man?’” he remarked. This sentiment highlights a growing awareness of the importance of accessories in completing a look. For watch enthusiasts, a runway presentation without timepieces feels incomplete, almost “naked,” as Wind put it. The J. Press show, in contrast, demonstrated how a carefully curated selection of vintage watches can enhance and contextualize a collection.
The collaboration between Carlson and Wind wasn’t their first venture together. The pair previously collaborated on special watch releases for Rowing Blazers, partnering with brands like Tudor, Seiko, and Zodiac. Their shared appreciation for Ivy League style and vintage aesthetics made the J. Press partnership a natural extension of their previous work. The success of the show underscores a broader trend: a renewed interest in classic American style and the accessories that define it.
Beyond Nostalgia: A Living Legacy
While the Ivy League aesthetic may evoke a sense of nostalgia, Carlson and Wind are adamant that it’s not simply about looking to the past. “the show is about presenting Ivy style not as nostalgia but as something living and relevant,” Carlson stated. The clothes, the books, and the watches all work together to inform a story of enduring style and American heritage. Even as contemporary fashion trends evolve, the core principles of Ivy League style—quality, craftsmanship, and understated elegance—remain timeless.
The J. Press show serves as a reminder that fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a form of storytelling. The inclusion of vintage watches wasn’t a mere stylistic flourish; it was a deliberate choice that added depth and context to the collection. It demonstrated that even in a rapid-paced, ever-changing industry, there’s still value in preserving and celebrating the past.
Looking ahead, J. Press will continue to release its special edition of Take Ivy, further solidifying its commitment to the aesthetic that defines the brand. The continued availability of the vintage watches featured in the show at Wind Vintage offers enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this enduring style. The conversation sparked by the J. Press show suggests that the role of accessories, particularly vintage watches, will continue to gain prominence in the world of fashion.
What are your thoughts on the resurgence of vintage style? Share your comments below and let us know how you incorporate classic pieces into your wardrobe.
