A Brooklyn Circus Jacket and a Story

I got this jacket when I was 25. My mother asked my girlfriend at the time what I might want for my birthday days prior to the occasion. When she learned that a varsity jacket from The Brooklyn Circus was on the top of my list, Mom called the shop and asked if it’d be possible for one to be shipped to her son in time for his 25th. The BKc employee my mom asked to make this happen explained that it likely wouldn’t arrive on time. But my mom persisted. It was “a BIG birthday!” She wondered if there was an expedited shipping option.

Of course, there was. But not one that would guarantee it’d arrive by December 3rd. So after haggling and plotting, my mom provided my address and name, knowing that she’d probably have to call me on my birthday and say that my gift would arrive late—not a big deal to me, but definitely to her. But here’s where the magic happened…

My mom gave my name and info. And the woman on the phone went, “…Brad Weté? Like the one that went to Howard?” My Howard University friend Ganeka worked at the shop and was now on the phone with my mom.” Ganeka explained that not only did she know me, but that she was coming to my birthday party that Friday night in downtown Manhattan.

Fast-forward to the night of my party. A cake comes out, the candles are lit and my friends are singing. Then Ganeka comes over to me with a massive brown bag and says, “This is from your mom”—an especially surprising thing to learn with no context. I’d find all the details out a bit later.

I’m not 25 anymore. Nor am I a New Yorker. I’ve got a wife, kids and a pad in Los Angeles. This jacket is more than just that now. It’s a time travel device. It’s packed with vivid memories of one on favorite days of my life, evidence of good friends and ardent parents. It’s also proof that I’ve had great taste for a long while. Haha, I knew BKc would stand the test of time, outlasting the #Menswear and Black Ivy blog era. It’s a prized possession.

I wore this jacket a few days ago. It fits well, still looks great, and feels like love.