Tommy Can You See Me?

Obsession can be a dangerous thing. According to Norman Mailer, it’s the most wasteful activity because “you keep coming back and back and back to the same question and never get an answer.” But what if your obsession is fashion? A world where there is no straight answer, or at least, the answer keeps changing, where rules only exist to be played with, prodded, shaped, molded and turned on their head? Such is the case with photographer Tommy Ton who, as a youth, postered his walls with pages from Harper's Bazaar and Vogue torn from library lending copies, and who eventually wore through three of his family’s VCRs by fanatically taping episodes of Fashion Television. In a very short time, this 27-year-old Toronto-based fashion obsessive has gone from impassioned photo blogger to being on a first name basis with fashion’s elite. 

His fun, quick and casual approach to street photography, extensive knowledge of fashion, and familiarity with key players in the industry have helped turn his Jak & Jil blog into the go-to source for millions of likeminded devotees eager to see the latest ensembles and accoutrements on and off the runways. While Mailer may not approve, as a self-diagnosed fashion obsessive who’s fully immersed in his world, it’s clear that Ton is too busy enjoying asking the question to worry about the answer. 

Ton took a moment out of his hectic schedule hopping between the Sydney, Paris, New York and London fashion weeks to speak to Mr. B's about idols, passion, and of course, obsession.

Mr. B’s: What do you love about fashion?

Tommy Ton: What is there not to love about it? I love the frenetic change and the constant renewal; it’s funny because I immerse myself in it so much that I don’t have any other interests. So when I see something different it gives me an adrenaline rush, it’s this moment of change that people want to latch onto and be a part of. It’s something that I love doing and that I’ve dreamt about since I was thirteen. The fact that I’m able to work in this industry with and for people I grew up in awe of, that’s the greatest reward.

Mr. B’s: You started your career taking a lot of pictures of female fashion. Lately your style has lent itself to men’s fashion. What initiated that change?

Ton: I never had much of an interest in men’s fashion; I never really went to the shows. But once I did, I started seeing the art of dressing in the men’s world and to see a uniform like the suit, how men play with that uniform whether it’s a monogram on the cuff or the way that they wear their tie or handkerchief. I mean they don’t have so much to play with as women do, I just think there’s a certain fascination in the way men exude this confidence to how they wear clothes. Whereas with women it’s a bit easier, they can just slip on this dress or this shoe, but looking for style in men is much more interesting.

"What is there not to love about [fashion]? I love the frenetic change and the constant renewal."

Mr. B’s: Is there a specific aesthetic in men’s fashion that you gravitate to?

Ton: I actually like different types of style in the men’s world. I like that sartorial Italian way, with the impeccable suits, the clashing of the prints, but more recently I love how the Japanese take on Americana with a twist, it’s interesting to see. 

Mr. B’s: It must be great working with mentors that you grew up admiring and now being able to share your fashion opinions with them.

Ton: It’s very, very surreal. I still pinch myself. The fact that I know these people and the fact that they’re aware of my work. I did a high school report on [photographers] Inez and Vinoodh, and I met them last week for the first time, but it’s funny because we’re both represented by the same agency. So to meet them and for them to say ‘we’re aware of your work and it’s good work,’ it’s the biggest high; when someone you look up to values your work.