Cool people like cool things, which is why we asked cool person Brandon Mahler to share some recommendations on Perfectly Imperfect.

SE Houston raised Brandon Mahler is a semi-retired rocker who runs US Operations for Drake’s here in NYC. He’s been in charge of getting the space off the ground, building a community, hosting events in the new store (361 Canal Street) such as the recent Throwing Fits x Alex Delaney live pod and party + Bijan from Intramural Shop’s recent pop-up, and pretty much everything else related to Drake’s USA. Not to mention, he’s a big homie with killer style. Brandon also has great taste and lucky for us, he’s here to tell us what he’s been into.

Without further ado

Brandon Mahler (instagram)

🩴 Babouches

I got a pair of these joints in January of 2020 right after getting home from a tour. I had been pining over the charvet slippers for a full year and still didn’t have the guts to pull the trigger. (if anyone can help your boy out holler at me) Covid happened two months later and I was very happy with my decision. I wore these til they had holes in the bottom. Currently on my 2nd pair and I’m thinking about getting a 3rd and 4th to rock for taking out the trash or to get the mail. 

🎨 Sam Watterson

Like many other people within the last year I've been trying to buy a little more art to cover the walls of my apartment. (I can’t just have britpop and foreign movie posters everywhere)
Sam Watterson is a Texas based illustrator and graphic artist. Aside from fronting one of the best hardcore bands to ever come out of Texas in the last 10 years ever (R.I.P The Real Cost) He’s an amazing artist. The colors are amazing and I love how much is going on in the piece. I just got two from him and will definitely get more.

🦆 Drake’s Items

Look, it’s probably not *that* cool for me to suggest things made by the company I work for but if I didn’t love em I wouldn’t work for em so fuck it we ball

• MTO Oxford: I’ve never had anything made to order until I started working for Drake’s. For the most part I’d get my oxfords a little larger and just let it rock (cuff the sleeve up a little when wearing a jacket it’s all good) I feel like I never *need* more shirts but getting something that fits just right - the way you want it? Unbeatable, untouchable. Nothing like it. The monogramming below the pocket that slightly peeks out when your jacket moves a lil is just that little cherry on top. (interested? Come holler at your boys on Canal)

• Drake’s Loafer: I needed another pair of loafers like I needed a hole in my head. (Current count: 6) These are just so good - They’re unlined so they stretch a little and mold to your feet, and there’s practically no break in period. The crepe sole is great for walking around all day (yes they can be resoled don’t let anyone tell you otherwise) 

🧼 The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar + Stain Brush

I hand/delicate wash most of my clothes.(esp nice tshirts and oxfords) it prolongs the life of your stuff 10x - never understood people that said it’s “too much” (sounds lazy to me) Sometimes you just need to hit your shirt collars and sleeves after wear or before you throw it in the washing machine. The bar and brush are both small so I can bring them with me when I travel. (Sometimes I'll just get a new bar as part of my travel checklist, it makes my luggage smell good too!) I try to keep one in my car, at the store, office, etc. Just in case of emergencies.

🌀 Bulldoze - 1993 Demo

A lot of music I listen to is only available on youtube - Most of the bands were small DIY bands that just made tapes or a 7” that you can’t find anywhere. So I'm thankful for the people that have ripped these to the internet for me and plenty of other people to discover. Bulldoze was a band from NY formed in the early 90’s that pioneered the “beatdown” style blahblahblah. Many have tried (and failed) to create a demo as good as this. Since it’s been available on streaming platforms I listen to it on my commute at least once a week. 

I love reading the comments from the last couple of generations talking about memories they have of the bands who got stabbed at what show and whatever. Greatest of all time shit for me.

(1:53 for what really gets me going)

💇💈 Haircut 

Have you ever heard that thing in NYC about barbers? Apparently you shouldn’t share that information with anyone because the next time you go to see them they won't be able to see you. Not 100% sure if that tracks ATM but I love my barber. I get a haircut at least once a week. (if I have the time once every five days) I keep a tight fade and because it’s so short it grows fast. A good haircut and beard trim is hands down  one of the best feelings in the world. Fresh haircut right before the weekend? *Pop Smoke voice* I feel invincible 

🐄 Tommy Boy (1995)

Everyone has been losing their shit over Seinfeld fits for the last year or whatever, but you know what’s actually good and not beat to death? Some good midwest real life type beat. I rewatched Tommy Boy a month ago (while I was recovering from my COVID allegations) Nylon Parkas over a tie (some good reps in there) and blazer, Military jackets, workwear being used for work, and the stussy hat with the herringbone jacket. This is just how people used to dress. And to think we used to be a real country. 

Follow Brandon on Instagram.

Shop Drake’s online or check out their NYC location at 361 Canal Street.

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