Services will be held Sunday in Los Angeles for David McArthur “Moon” Mullen, founder of Save Khaki United, who died there Nov. 6 after a long battle with cancer. He was 64.
The gathering, scheduled for 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1243 Sanborn Avenue, will be followed by a graveside service on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. at Plum Creek Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
The news of Mullen’s death was made public through an Instagram post by the company that read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved founder, David Mullen. David had been bravely battling cancer over the past few years, yet continued to pour his heart into every part of Save Khaki United. His dedication, vision and unwavering spirit inspired everyone who knew him. David touched countless lives and was deeply loved by so many. His legacy lives on in the brand he built and the community he created. We will miss him profoundly.”
Mullen was born in Milwaukee and grew up in Oakmont, Pa., according to his obituary posted by the Burket-Truby Funeral Home. He loved sports, particularly golf and hockey, and was a lifelong Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers fan.
Mullen began his professional life as an accountant before moving to New York City, where he became involved in the fashion industry. His first foray into fashion was a T-shirt line he created and ultimately sold to American Eagle Outfitters, said his partner NiNi Hu. He remained with AEO for a short time before he met Mickey Drexler, then chief executive officer of The Gap, who convinced him to join that company. “That’s where he learned about wash and dye,” Hu said. Mullen then followed Drexler to J. Crew, she said.
Later, Mullen created the White Label for Barneys New York’s Co-op before launching Save Khaki United in 2006. Hu said although it wasn’t easy, he was able to create all the chinos in the U.S. “after years and years of effort.”
“Because manufacturing in the U.S. is never easy, each piece we make is truly a labor of love —symbolized by our Good Work logo: a heart-shaped patch with a USA map inside,” she added. “This emblem is not about nationalism or politics; it’s a celebration of community, collaboration and the people who help bring David’s vision to life. David believed deeply in building communities and honoring craftsmanship and design. That spirit inspired our ‘Love What You Do’ series, created to accompany Good Work — the highest expression of the Save Khaki United line, made entirely in the USA down to every trim, yarn and sundry.”
Hu said that in recent years, Mullen acquired Port Canvas, a made-in-Maine tote bag company, “whose values perfectly align with his commitment to American manufacturing. Port Canvas operates a small sewing studio in Kennebunkport, Maine, where we’ve produced totes in collaboration with partners such as John Derian and the Whitney Museum.”
Mullen is survived by Hu, and his son, David Paul Mullen, as well as Julia Mullen, with whom he co-parented to raise their son. Other survivors include his siblings Mary Lanham, Barb Mullen, Robert “Tiger” Mullen, Nancy “Moochie” Donatucci and her husband Rob Donatucci, Bryant “Ranger” Mullen, and Shea Mullen and her partner Thom Dillingham.
The industry reached quickly to his passing with comments that included one from Todd Snyder that read: “Heartbroken to hear about David Mullen. I had the privilege of working with him at Gap and J. Crew — such a kind, talented guy with incredible taste. He helped define what modern American style looks like.”
Drexler said: “David first and foremost was incredibly lovely, warm and all-around nice person. We worked together for many years at Gap and J. Crew. I will miss him very much. My thoughts go out to his family.”
K.P. McNeill, CEO of Imogene + Willie, said: “David was so generous with his time and knowledge and much of what we know today about U.S. manufacturing has come through our time with David. We learned so many things from him. But more than that, he was a constant source of inspiration for us. Forever cheerful, forever tirelessly working, and forever optimistic in the face of adversity. The legacy he leaves behind will live on not only through his brand, Save Khaki United, but also through the countless people whose lives he touched.”
Jacob Hurwitz, cofounder of American Trench, also commented: “David was an inspiration to me and a mentor. He was a visionary who believed in Made in USA before it was a thing in menswear. Towards the end of this life he went even further towards it at the fabric level. His commitment to the ideal was unmatched and never wavered.”
Mullen’s family said donations in his name could be given to UCLA Health or any charity. A celebration of Mullen’s life will be held in New York City at a date to be announced.
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