Editor’s Note: Welcome to In My Cart, a regular series in which we ask some of the coolest guys we know what they’ve recently acquired, are thinking about buying, or need to buy more of — but for whatever reason don’t have in hand just yet. This week, Somsack Sikhounmuong, former J.Crew designer and current creative director of Alex Mill.
Somsack Sikhounmuong knows a thing or two about wardrobe essentials. For 16 years, he worked for the apparel powerhouse J.Crew, defining the company’s voice with successive roles as head of design for Madewell, head of women’s design for J.Crew and chief design officer for J.Crew. After leaving the company in 2017, he stepped into the role of creative director at Alex Mill, a company originally launched in 2012 by Alex Drexler.
Drexler’s father Mickey, the former CEO of J.Crew Group, is an investor and strategic advisor in the newly reimagined brand, which, under Sikhounmuong’s direction is offering a range of quintessential garments for men and women. With classic designs and affordable prices, these essentials are poised to become quick favorites.
We caught up with Sikhounmuong shortly after the release of his debut spring collection. It’s no surprise that the products he’s currently considering reflect his design aesthetic. From the perfect t-shirt to a book on American icons, his list is loaded with tasteful, functional products and elevated classics. Let him explain why.
Alex Mill Tri-Color Striped Tee
“I’m pretty sure I could start my own vintage shop with all the stripe tees I’ve collected through the years. I don’t, however, own one like this: classic, but not boring; subtle, but still special. In my opinion, it’s the perfect tee.”
