David Mullen of Save Khaki Talks to Debonair

Save Khaki is a brand synonymous with quality and fit, a brand that goes beyond trend to create pieces that will still look good 10 years on. It’s head designer and proprietor, David Mullen took some time to talk product and what Save Khaki is all about.

What are you wearing today?

I’m wearing a pair of our utility chino’s, our single pocket chambray shirt, our new military jacket and wool toggle coat.

What are a few of your favorite brands in New York?

Engineered Garments – He’s [Daiki Suziki] about lateral movement, always improving the clothes we may already wear. We have some of our [Save Khaki] clothes made at the same factories and I run into Daiki from time to time while I’m there.

What would you like Save Khaki to be known for?

Underdesigners, detail oriented people that don’t always stand out in a flashy way.

Could you tell me a bit about Save Khaki United?

Save Khaki United (SKU) is a new sub-brand by Save Khaki that offers only goods made domestically. Everything is still within our vision of updated classics that are naive to trend, chambray shirts, knit sweaters, wool coats, some selvedge chinos and even a line of denim (no prejudice here).

We’ve heard rumblings of a Save Khaki collaboration with Pointer brand, elaborate?

Well I had travelled to Tennessee to do some factory visits and met with them, so we will see.

Who is the Save Khaki guy?

Probably from New York, he’s aware of style but is certainly not a victim of it. He may walk into our store wearing a pair of APC’s jeans, a Steven Alan button down and an Engineered Garments jacket, all brands with a focus on quality and an authentic style. Our customers tend to start with our shorts and t-shirts, but realize after a while that chinos and button downs can be just as relaxed without being unkempt.

After a long day at work where do you grab a drink?

It usually depends on which store I’m at, but here at Broome st. I like a Makers and Coke at Barrio Chino.

Favorite Restaurant in the City?

For lunch its The Smile and then dinner is probably Vinegar Hill House in Brooklyn.

Last album you listened to from beginning to end?

Meet Glen Campbell by Glen Campbell

Place you feel most like yourself?

At home in Pittsburgh watching a Steelers game with my son. I go back every other weekend and it really keeps me grounded after staying in the city.

Current reading material?

Deepak Chopra, Siddartha, Bill Maher’s Voice of Reason

Last great movie you saw?

Frost/Nixon

Whats next for Save Khaki?

Well we are converting this store [Broome St.] into just an SKU store