L IFESTYLE /C ULTURE
Jews of Philly Fashion: Jacob Hurwitz
FASHION JESSE BERNSTEIN | JE STAFF
It’s the newest edition of Jews
of Philly Fashion, introducing
you to the Chosen few who
dress our city. Th ey might mix
wool and linen, but they’ve got
some strong opinions on mixing
stripes with fl orals. In this space,
we’ll talk to designers, sellers,
buyers, infl uencers, models and
more. Th is week, we spoke to
Jacob Hurwitz.

JACOB HURWITZ HAS an
unusual resume for a fashion
designer: He’s worked as a math
teacher and as a senior quantita-
tive risk analyst.

But Hurwitz, 41, is not
your typical designer, and his
Ardmore-based menswear line
American Trench is something
diff erent as well.

Th e son of an electrician
and a nurse, Hurwitz was as
interested in fashion as any
teen — he shudders now at his
fascination with logo tees —
but it wasn’t until aft er college
that he took it a step further,
when he took a job at the
Mitchell & Ness fl agship store.

Th at was a fortunate time
to grab on: Mitchell & Ness’
high-quality retro jerseys were
skyrocketing in popularity,
and Hurwitz had a front-row
seat to watch a brand take off .

Hurwitz taught for several
years aft er getting a graduate
degree in education from the
University of Pennsylvania,
and then settled into a secure
job in the energy sector.

Along the way, he watched
as cheap, disposable clothing
made overseas exploded in
popularity while American
manufacturing dwindled.

Yearning to get out from
behind a computer and make
something tangible, Hurwitz
got together with his friend
David Neill and they launched
a Kickstarter campaign that
promised well-made U.S.-craft ed
men’s trench coats and socks.

Now, eight years later, American
Trench off ers jeans, sweaters and
other basics too, and is sold in
stores all over the country.

What’s the last book you read?
“Delivering Happiness” by
Tony Hsieh. Th e recent news of
Tony’s death is a tragic end to a
brilliant mind who made a very
cool company and built a great
culture but couldn’t overcome
his own unhappiness.

What clothing trend would you
like to see make a comeback?
Aft er COVID, I’m hoping
LEGAL DIRECTORY
people get into looking nice
again and return to some form
of “dressing up.” Tailored
clothing, outerwear, hoodies
and sweatpants can live
together in the same closet. It
doesn’t have to be all lounge
wear or all dress-up.

Whose style do you admire?
Bruce Pask, the men’s
fashion director of Bergdorf
Goodman and
Neiman Marcus. Even though he is the
creative director of such posh
stores, he dresses in a very
Best jersey you ever saw at approachable way, and mixes
Mitchell & Ness?
things really well, like jean
Tie. Brooklyn Dodgers Jackie jackets under overcoats.

Robinson home with the red 42
lettering, and the 1950 Phillies Who’s an exciting designer
Whiz Kids Richie Ashburn.

in Philadelphia that people
aren’t talking about enough?
What’s the best quality in a
David DiLorenzo of Dilo
friend? Home is making wicked good
Compassion. candles. His scents are just
next level. I’ve always liked the
What’s your most treasured idea of candles but never really
item? burned them at home with any
Th e love and wisdom my frequency. But now I get it.

parents have given me over my
lifetime. What talent would you most
like to have?
What item of clothing should
I wish I could dance. I have
more people wear?
no rhythm. ●
High-quality T-shirts.

Like high-quality socks and jbernstein@jewishexponent.com;
underwear, they make a huge 215-832-0740
HEALTHCARE DIRECTORY
Area's Finest and
Most Recommended
Home Care Services
HOME CARE
OPTIONS Providing Care Since 1999
RN on Staff
Nurse's Aides,
Home Health Aides,
Companions, Hourly-Live-Ins
Bonded and Insured
PA Licensed
There's No Place Like Home!!
Jacob Hurwitz of American Trench
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM CALL LOIS KAMINSKY
215•947•0304 www.hcocares.com
Photo by Joseph Stern Photography
JEWISH EXPONENT
diff erence in daily comfort.

Providing Quality Non-Medical Care
in the Comfort of your home.

• 24-hour care /Hourly/ Live-In
• Transportation/ Doctors’ Visits/ Mobility Assistance
Licensed and Insured
Call (267) 584-0461 or (484) 687-3895
today for more information
To advertise
in our
Directories Call
215-832-0749 FEBRUARY 25, 2021
27