COURTESY OF ANTHONY POLOTI
The Essence Clothing, Jersey City
Edgy and urban-centric, The Essence Clothing collection is the brainchild of founder Jonathan Goldberg,
a born-and-bred Jersey native whose early, bespoke designs for private clients, including iconic rap stars,
laid the foundation for a Jersey City-based brand that reflects his own diverse interests in art, music,
movies, sports and fashion.
“Originally, I was inspired by 1990s-era hip-hop culture but as the brand has evolved, I’ve begun to
channel elements of my youth as well, keeping up with the theme of nostalgia with a twist,” says
Goldberg, who is also the company’s lead designer.
Goldberg’s target customer defies categorization. “It’s less about their age and more about
their sense of style,” he says. “I’m creating clothing for people who hang onto their things,
enjoy them and want to own them for years.” As such, he sources high-quality, heavyweight fabrics like cashmere, leather and suede to create statement pieces with price
points to match. Many are made-to-order, including the “Big Apple 1979,” a $595
melton wool and genuine leather jacket that is Goldberg’s homage to a triumphant
time in the city’s music scene, and the “Way Back Lumberjack,” a $1,250 trench
featuring a cashmere body with calf leather sleeves, red satin lining, brushed
brass fireman hook fasteners, and chenille and felt embroidered patches.
Currently available online exclusively at