For Sid Mashburn, the impact he’s had on American men’s style wasn’t born in a fashion capital, but in the small town of Brandon, Mississippi. Watching his family run local stores selling everything from furniture to hardware instilled in him a love of retail, a foundation that would later blossom into a nationwide menswear empire.
Mashburn’s journey took him from Ole Miss to New York City in the mid-1980s, a move that proved pivotal when he met Vogue editor Ann Daggett. Daggett introduced him to J.Crew, where he soon began designing menswear. The two married in 1987, forging a personal and professional partnership that would continue to shape his career.
After stints at Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Land’s End, Mashburn opened his first standalone store in Atlanta in 2007. Since then, the brand has expanded to eight locations across the country, attracting a diverse clientele that includes celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and André 3000. Despite the high-profile customers, Mashburn emphasizes that world-class service is paramount for everyone who walks through his doors. “That’s not really as magnanimous as people might think,” he says. “It’s because of how good I feel when people get taken care of.”
First thing you do in the morning?
Mashburn’s day begins quietly. He wakes up, puts on his glasses, and checks the weather and headlines on his phone, carefully tiptoeing around his sleeping wife, Ann. He then dedicates time to reading and prayer, culminating in making coffee for her – a daily ritual that sets a positive tone for the day.
What apps do you use the most?
Recently, Mashburn discovered Radio Garden, an app that allows users to tune into radio stations from around the world. “All those dots are radio stations around the world,” he explained, demonstrating the app’s functionality.
Do you have any personal rituals?
A daily 90-second cold shower is a non-negotiable part of Mashburn’s routine. “As cold as I can get it, with as much power as I can get,” he says. “And it will wake you up.”
What do you do that’s still analog?
Despite the digital age, Mashburn maintains some analog habits. He keeps his calendar in pencil, acknowledging its frequent changes, and regularly plays records, a practice echoed in his stores, each of which boasts a curated record collection.
What in your wardrobe do you wear most often?
Mashburn’s daily uniform typically includes a jacket and tie – a habit ingrained from his own company culture. He estimates that he wears his “Ghost blazer” more than any other item, a testament to its versatility and timeless style.
Favorite websites?
For news, Mashburn turns to the New York Post, which he considers his “paper of record.”
How do you find calm?
Mashburn finds solace in music, whether listening through his phone or on a turntable. “I don’t really have any biases to the way I ingest it. I just like listening to it.”
Who is your guru?
On a personal level, Mashburn cites Jesus Christ as his guiding influence. Professionally, he looks to Mickey Drexler for inspiration.
What’s your favorite cocktail, and how do you make it?
Mashburn isn’t a frequent cocktail drinker, but when he does indulge, he prefers an Aperol spritz or a neat bourbon.
What is your exercise routine, and how often do you do it?
Mashburn incorporates daily push-ups and squats into his routine, and has recently added rowing. He also prioritizes movement throughout the day, opting for stairs over elevators.
What does success look like to you?
For Mashburn, success is simple: “being excited every day I wake up.” He expresses gratitude for his work and the fulfillment it brings.
How much do you trust your gut instinct?
While he values discussion, Mashburn ultimately trusts his intuition. “I like to talk it out a lot,” he says, “But I would say 94 percent of the time, I go back to my gut.”
Are you wearing a watch? How many do you own?
Mashburn consistently wears a Rolex Explorer I Ref. 1016, a timepiece he’s owned for approximately 26 years. He also possesses an 18-karat-gold Zenith dress watch and a pair of Omega pocket watches inherited from his father.
How would you describe your look?
Mashburn describes his style as classically inclined, with a penchant for color, but avoids appearing overly formal.
How would others describe your look?
According to his wife, Ann, Mashburn embodies the style of a “preppy hippie from Mississippi.”
What advice do you wish you’d followed?
Looking back, Mashburn wishes he had married Ann sooner. “If I regret anything in life—I should have asked Ann to marry me almost immediately.”
Last piece of advice you gave?
Mashburn recently advised a young employee to pursue a relationship with his girlfriend without hesitation, a suggestion that was met with some initial reluctance.
Drive or be driven?
Mashburn prefers to drive.
What is the car you are most attached to?
Mashburn has a long-standing affinity for Mercedes-Benz station wagons, having driven them since 1996.
What’s your favorite hotel?
Mashburn fondly recalls stays at the Villa d’Este in Lake Como with Jerry Lauren, describing it as a memorable experience despite modest accommodations.
What’s worth paying for?
Live music is a worthwhile investment, according to Mashburn, creating lasting memories.
Last streaming binge?
Mashburn recently revisited the television series 24.
What kind of music makes you happy?
Mashburn enjoys a wide range of musical genres, with the exception of death metal and gangster rap. He appreciates the diversity offered by Radio Garden.
