Sangsouvanh Khounvichit
What do you do all day? I do photography and creative for Sid Mashburn and Ann Mashburn. From images for editorial, e-commerce, social media, special events, behind the scenes, our interiors… and probably a few more things!
How would you describe what you do to a toddler? Hmm, I’ve never been asked that before! I would probably tell them I get to tell stories all day, with clothing and people; I get to make up anything!
Where do you live? Where did you grow up? I live in Atlanta, GA. I grew up near the Bay Area in California but spent most of my early youth in Georgia before I started traveling.
Did growing up in California and Georgia have an effect on your style? Maybe a little bit, but I think my immediate surroundings were more of an influence than my location. I spent a lot of time with my father, who was a painter, photographer, sculptor, carpenter; you name it; he did everything. That’s where I think I really picked up on his function of his clothing choice, he made it look so easy and so cool at the same time. Then everything changed after I got my first guitar, all my clothes got darker and skinnier - haha!
Tell me the story of something you’re wearing right now….. this vintage Army shirt jacket is from my friend Brian Davis’ shop in Red Hook called Wooden Sleepers. He does a fantastic job of archiving vintage clothing and accessories. What I like is that it leans towards the era of trad and Ivy, which is not a lifestyle or look I’m particularly going after; but you can still pull pieces from it and make it your own. I do think everyone can find something that speaks to their personal style at his shop.
How would you describe your style? I would say utilitarian. Everything I do revolves around function with a heavy regard for occasion. When I am at my day job, I wear a Mashburn navy blazer, worn in blue jeans (3Sixteen almost 90% of the time) and loafers. When I am on tour, I wear a white tee shirt, trucker jacket, black Levi’s and boots; preferably slip on. And to the occasion, I try to dress my best for the people around me. And that doesn’t necessarily mean for them, but to respect the moment and the individuals themselves. For instance, if I’m invited to a dinner, I will wear sport jacket, tie if its semi-formal and I have a date; no tie if it’s an at home dinner with friends.
What is the best impulse purchase you ever made? Actually, I have a funny story. The best impulse purchase was my first pair of shoes from Sid Mashburn in 2010. I was traveling quite a bit that year so I was not able to go in the shop to try them on, but luckily I ordered the correct size. Fast forward to the summer of 2012 to when I joined the team, they told me about seeing my order come through online and marked it as fraud. They held it because for a first time customer on their new site which just launched, it was a high dollar order. So I guess they Googled me and decided I was legit… or something haha. I still wear them in the office and think about that story everytime!
What do you buy “too much” of? Shamefully, Belgian shoes. I got my first pair a about 10 years ago while I was on the road and they slowly started to replace my camp mocs, my Vans, my Chucks, basically anything that wasn’t a boot. For me, they’re the one shoe that can immediately elevate my jeans and white tee shirt look as well as my dark suit and tie look. Also, they’re incredibly comfortable, technically they are house slippers……
What do you have most trouble finding when shopping? Pretty much anything vintage because smaller sizes are so rare, but I don’t let that deter me too much. Fortunately for me, my mother was a seamstress and taught me to how to alter my own clothes at home. So when I was younger I would tailor my own shirts and pants, usually hand me downs from my older brother or things I found at a thrift store where I grew up, called Last Chance Thrift. I’m very lucky to still travel as often as I do for music, so I still hunt for cool pieces then tailor them when I get home!
What movie had the biggest influence on your style? Oh, this one is easy, S.E. Hinton’s, The Outsiders. We watched the movie in my 8th grade class after reading the book and everything changed for me. I still remember how tough the denim clad, working class Greasers were, and how clean the khaki drabbed upper-class boys looked. I thought to myself, how can I mix both of these styles? How can I still appear clean without looking overly conservative or stuffy? I’ve always been a fan of dichotomy, in music, art or clothes; and I don’t think you have to co-sign one singular look for your age or for your lifestyle. I love seeing a younger guy covered in flash tattoos wearing white linen trousers and a sky blue button down shirt, but also an older gentleman in all beat up denim and a pair of Vans.
If you could be dropped in any time period strictly for the clothes what would you pick? I have no idea haha!
