901 Street style
MARK SANDFOSS By Cyrena Wages Photography by McKendree Walker
S
omeone told me once that trying to keep a creative person from free self-expression is like trying to hold a beach ball under water. That’s one of the many lovely anecdotes that come to mind when I think of Mark Sandfoss. Born and raised in Kentucky, Sandfoss received a BS in Wildlife Biology from Murray State University, a MS in Wildlife Sciences from North Carolina State University, and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Florida. Having spent years in NYC, Colombia, and Argentina, he now resides in Memphis where he is currently a postdoctoral research fellow in the conservation and research department of the Memphis Zoo. He is objectively accomplished as an intellectual and researcher, but what brings us to this feature today is his wild and unmatchable propensity for fashion and design. I’ve gone out on the town and watched him dazzle crowds of strangers; a conversation starter, thought provoker, a photo opportunity, a rockstar. If only we all allowed our insides to be so authentically displayed in our exteriors, what a colorful world it might be. Let’s dig in. Tell me your origin story. I grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I had a wonderful childhood of running around the neighborhood and playing sports. I have a younger brother and two older sisters. Has your hometown and your travels had a significant impact on you? MARK’S NUDIE-INSPIRED SUIT Hand-sewn mirror in diamond shapes slither around the suit, inspired by the diamondback rattlesnake. 64
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4memphis.com
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JULY / AUGUST 2022
Definitely. As someone who grew up in an environment without a lot of exposure to
