Jeff Press is constantly amazed at how quickly time flies. Working on Morgenthal Frederics, Robert Marc NYC, Oscar de la Renta, and Monse keeps the member of the eyewear designers of the CFDA (edCFDA) pretty busy. “All the different brands make things very exciting,” he said. “ The best part of it all is having the opportunity to collaborate with such a passionate and creative team.”
This Q & A is part of a series highlighting the Members of the edCFDA (Eyewear Designers of the CFDA).
Where were you born/where did you grow up?
I was born at Yale – New Haven Hospital, and grew up in Orange, Connecticut.
What was your favorite activity as a child?
Sports – I loved them all, but baseball first.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
I bought a blue leather jacket at the Post Mall with my baseball card money. It was amazing.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I was fearless. I want to be one of the skateboarders from Dogtown, or a surfer, or a daredevil – but I am not.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Candidly. I say it a lot, and it’s silly because I am always candid and straightforward.
What is your greatest fear?
Even one day without Melissa [his wife].
What is your greatest extravagance?
I don’t limit myself much. I really like food, and shoes, and eyeglasses – a lot.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Some place with great things to see, and amazing food. I am open. We seldom go back to the same place again and again.
What is your most treasured possession?
My father’s Lion ring.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I have a freakish memory. I don’t know if it is photographic, but it’s a thing and probably annoys other people.
What do you most value in your friends?
Honesty and Loyalty.
What is your favorite color?
Black, of course – but in case that’s cheating, I really do love red too.
What are you most grateful for?
Health, and the six females in my life (my wife, daughter, niece, sisters and mom). I have a “6” tattooed on my right arm for them.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Wear what you dig” – Maurice from Boogie Nights.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I hate LOTS of chores, as my wife will confirm.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
You and Me, and Baby Makes Three
What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?
I grew up around music. My dad was a musician and so am I. So, lots of stuff – Bowie, Velvets, Beatles, Beach Boys, Nirvana, Pumpkins, Grandaddy and Bob (Dylan, Marley, whatever), but more Radiohead than any other artist…that’s a start.
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
I don’t know, I am happy now.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Working with my mentor and best friend, I took on the Cobra Kai, and defeated Tommy, Dutch, Jimmy, Bobby and finally Johnny to win the All Valley tournament.
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Ooh, I think I’d choose to sit with Kiyomi at Kenichi in Aspen if I got to eat anywhere. He is the man. And if I don’t mention Estela as my favorite in NYC, then my buddy Chris will be disappointed.
What was the best gift you ever received?
My daughter is super cool! So is my watch, a Chrome Hearts banded Rolex. My wife gave me both.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
I want to take a prolonged vacation, see more of the world, and record an acoustic album. Not this year, though.
When was the last time you were nervous?
I don’t get nervous much – maybe when Melissa went into labor.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I wanted to make my living being a creator. I have taken the steps to make that possible, and that makes me proud.
What is your “personal motto?”
I’m not sure I am really a personal motto guy….but the Beatles did nail it with All You Need Is Love. Family, friends, work, they were good like that.
