When Meshach Babcock was a teen, his friend gave him a denim vest (“It was his grandpa’s old biker vest”) and it became part of his life. He festooned it with patches of the bands he lost, and was distraught when it was stolen during a high school battle of the bands event. He never saw it again – until last week, when a friend forwarded an Instagram photo of it hanging in a Macy’s display window. Babcock, now 23, recognized it immediately and he wants it back.
I was stolen from Meshach Babcock in Oregon City 3 yrs ago. Now being held hostage by @Macys in #NYC #meshachsvest pic.twitter.com/C5vQumyJnU
— Meshach's Vest (@MeshachsVest) February 10, 2016
From Gothamist:
Babcock started a Twitter account and Facebook page in the hopes of bringing attention to his jacket, and it seems it has worked. Rolling Stone spoke to representatives for both Macy’s and Ralph Lauren who said they were willing to give it back if Babcock can show proof it’s his jacket: “The jacket was purchased by our creative team,” said Ryan Lally, spokesperson for Ralph Lauren. “It was for display, and if he can authenticate ownership, we’ll bring this guy his jacket back. It’s a fashion hero story.”