If it was family values that helped launch J.McLaughlin, Kevin and Jay’s success also attests to vision and impeccable timing. Thirty years before Brooklyn’s current Renaissance, Jay was buying and renovating old Park Slope brownstones—the proceeds of which bankrolled the birth of the brand. Both New York born and educated, the brothers sensed that their formula for imbuing old school style with fresh relevance would translate into retail triumph.
As for Brooklyn, much of the J.McLaughlin product is produced in their Greenpoint factory and headquarters. The expansive industrial chic facility also houses administrative offices, a photo studio, print library and operations for product development and design. Keen philanthropists, J.McLaughlin’s commitment and loyalty can be seen at the local level where they host events throughout the year to benefit childcare, healthcare, the arts, animal rights causes.
Resonating with a traditional yet discerning client, the J.McLaughlin look can be described as innovatively nostalgic. The fashion impact is two-fold: world-class quality silks, sporty cottons and cashmeres alongside tongue-in-chic martini-glass embroidered Bermudas, feather minis and statement-making hybrid prints like “Trellis Flora” and “Zebra Chain Link”. The print of a best-selling shawl reverses from Equestrian to cheetah. Superior design, but never a dull moment.
From the speedy success of the original New York shop, demand was met by supply—and more stores. J.McLaughlin has been there to greet loyal customers wherever they work and play. From metropolises like Dallas, Philadelphia and Boston and suburban outposts like Millbrook and Raleigh to American Rivieras like Palm Beach, Kiawah Island and just recently Palm Desert, California. Reflecting the brand’s respect for regional individuality, each shop’s attentively-designed interior is unique, reflecting the town’s color, character and architecture.
