Jack Carlson has sold a majority stake in Rowing Blazers but will remain as the brand’s creative director as it enters a new phase under CEO Laura Willensky.
Jack Carlson, the founder of Rowing Blazers, is exiting the brand he established in 2017, following a significant transition in leadership and ownership. In February 2024, Carlson sold a majority stake in Rowing Blazers to Burch Creative Capital, an investment firm co-founded by Chris Burch, alongside investors Tom Vellios and Jason Epstein. Despite the sale, Carlson will continue to serve as the creative director of the brand, overseeing its artistic direction during this period of change.
In May 2024, just three months after the acquisition, the company appointed Laura Willensky, a former executive at J.Crew, as its first chief executive officer. Willensky’s primary responsibility will be to expand Rowing Blazers into new product categories and explore untapped markets.
Under Carlson’s leadership, Rowing Blazers developed several notable collaborations, including partnerships with Spanish women’s brand La Veste and The Explorers Club in New York. The brand’s recent Paddington Bear capsule collection, launched in December, stands as Carlson’s final project with Rowing Blazers, marking the end of an era for the creative force behind the brand.
Carlson, who holds a Ph.D. in archaeology from Oxford University and was a coxswain for the U.S. national rowing team, has also authored two books: “A Humorous Guide to Heraldry” and “Rowing Blazers,” a coffee-table book that details the history of the striped jackets worn by oarsmen worldwide. He aimed to redefine the traditional preppy style that has often been labeled as elitist and stagnant, infusing it with a sense of creativity and modern appeal. His collaborations with well-known brands such as Gucci, Noah, Target, and J.Crew played a critical role in elevating Rowing Blazers’ profile in the fashion industry. Additionally, he successfully revived several heritage brands, including the British knitwear label Warm & Wonderful, renowned for its sheep sweater famously worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
While Carlson has not publicly commented on his future plans, Rowing Blazers indicated that he is working on a new book that will delve into the history and cultural significance of the rugby shirt. He is also exploring design projects that encompass watches, cars, and interior design.
Reflecting on his journey with Rowing Blazers, Carlson expressed a sense of accomplishment. “I’ve checked off so many of the things I dreamed of doing with Rowing Blazers — collaborations with my favorite brands, photo shoots with my favorite actors and musicians, designing pieces and collections for myself and then seeing them resonate with people all over the world,” he stated. He acknowledged that the sale of the brand allowed him to step back and begin exploring new creative outlets, preparing for the next chapter of his career.
Source: Noah Wire Services
