The collection was born from J. Press Creative Director Jack Carlson’s admiration for Lavenham, whose story began in Suffolk in 1969. What follows is a transatlantic exchange between British equestrian outerwear and American Ivy League style, drawing on archival silhouettes, distinctive textiles and the enduring appeal of classic sportswear.

At the heart of the collection is a particular appreciation for Scottish tartans and tweeds, fabrics whose associations with country pursuits and traditional tailoring have travelled far beyond their origins. 

The specially developed Italian guncheck wool is inspired by the original gunchecks used in Scotland since the 1800s, alongside the sports jackets worn by Ivy League students in the 1960s. It captures the connection between British country cloth and the American collegiate wardrobe, bringing texture and character to familiar Lavenham silhouettes.

Tartan wool-blend cloth offers another expression of this heritage, while a navy and burgundy stripe print references the boating blazers Carlson has collected and documented throughout his career. Together, these patterns reflect the breadth of his interest in traditional clothing and the ways its details can be reinterpreted for a contemporary wardrobe.

The collection centres on two established Lavenham styles: the Mickfield gilet and the Denham jacket.

The J. Press Mickfield

The Mickfield retains the original stand collar found on Lavenham’s first gilets, dating back to 1972. Offered in the original Horse Rug quilt and the specially developed guncheck wool, it brings together the brand’s equestrian origins and J. Press’s collegiate sensibility.

The J. Press Denham

The Denham draws on Lavenham’s earliest equestrian jackets, retaining its characteristic flat cord collar and back vents. Reimagined in guncheck wool or the original Horse Rug quilt with contrasting cord binding, it balances functional design with the distinctive character of traditional sporting fabrics.

Both styles feature a more contemporary fit, practical patch pockets and considered finishing, including organic corduroy binding and dual-branded labelling. Rather than reinventing these classics, the collaboration explores how thoughtful changes in material and detail can give established designs a new perspective.

The J. Press Raydon

The collection also introduces a tartan interpretation of Lavenham’s Raydon jacket as part of J. Press’s inaugural womenswear collection. Made in Suffolk since the early 1970s, the Raydon retains its tailored silhouette and original back vents, with tartan wool-blend cloth bringing a fresh dimension to a longstanding design.

From the Horse Rug quilt to Scottish-inspired checks, the collaboration reflects a shared belief that good design transcends time and place. It is a meeting of British country tradition and American Ivy League style.