Q&A with Jak and Jil’s Tommy Ton
We are debuting our expert Q&A section with an amazing first subject: Jak&Jil’s Tommy Ton.
The second installment of his spring campaign for famous Hong Kong luxury retailer Lane Crawford came out yesterday. The campaign is inspired by his blog format-in motion photographs of fashion insiders on the the way to the shows-they also got him to guest blog for the month of March.
His focus on high fashion, shoes (a fetish of his) and photos that speak for themselves has earned him this honour, as well as a 25000 strong daily following and syndication of his images.
A blogger like Tommy Ton being taped by fashion companies to shoot a campaign is a nod to the importance of the Internet and blogs, and it seems like be the beginning of a financially savvy campaign trend.
Q&A
ON TRENDS:
If there was something you would consider a timeless trend what would it be?
Black. Black will never go out of style. You can never go wrong with wearing head to toe black. You’ll always look taller, slimmer and always chic. I’ve learned that from observing the Parisians.
You love shoes. What do you think is the news in shoes? Editors are saying it is the time of the “IT” shoe as opposed to the “IT” bag? Do you agree?
I guess the news in shoes is this new extreme that designers have been exploring. It’s been quite evident in recent seasons how footwear has escalated to new heights and I don’t just mean the heel. They’ve become more elaborate and the materials have become more experimental. For example, Nicholas Kirkwood used computer wires for the shoes he made for the Rodarte sisters. I don’t think it’s so much about labeling an item as ‘IT’ anymore. I think that period has past and women are really shopping based on their needs, as opposed to what is the ‘IT’ shoe or bag of the season. The accessories market has exploded and the selection has become too overwhelming. It gets tiring just trying to label what is ‘IT’ anymore.
3 shoe designers you like and why?
Nicholas Kirkwood, Christian Louboutin and Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy. I favor these three particular designers just because I feel they treat footwear as an art form while still making shoes to die for. Their shoes immediately catch your attention and you can’t help but gravitate towards them. Also the experimentation with materials really challenges you to want to slip into their shoes
Worst trend ever?
Platform sneakers. I was a victim of that trend.
ON BLOGGING:
As the Internet develops as well as your blog, how will you take care care of the copyrights of your images and enforce their protection? You rely on your own photos for your blog but some bloggers don’t, what do you think about it?
You know, you can’t really control it if someone uses your photos on their blog. I think it’s become a part of the art of blogging. As long as someone is not using my photos for profit, then I’m fine with it. You just can’t control it. I earn a living from my blog from selling my photos and my services as a photographer.
Do you think you will ever sub-contract blog posting, or do you think your readers come back due to your personal commentary?
No, I think I’ll always do it myself. Even if I have nothing to comment on the photo, I still just post the photo. Some photos are self explanatory.
Do you think that companies like Lane Crawford are going for bloggers like you to do campaigns due to innovation? Have they realized the influence of the Internet?
I think they’ve certainly realized the power of the blogosphere and how influential it has become. It was only natural for someone like The Sartorialist to shoot the DKNY campaign but I was completely shocked when Lane Crawford contacted me to shoot their campaign. I believe they chose me because I developed my own niche with my photos and my blog caters to people who have a significant interest in fashion. So they wanted the campaign to reflect exactly what my blog represents: beautiful high fashion photos of the greats of the fashion world. I came as a package, not just like any blogger. I take my own photos and I’m very self-educated when it comes to fashion. So it was a perfect match. They knew I would attract a certain audience to their blog
ON STUFF:
What do you like to do on your time off. Non-fashion related??
I shamelessly bake and play this karaoke video game called Singstar. I spend my weekends playing it with friends. It’s very addictive
Favorite food place in Milan, NYC and Paris?
NYC: Rocking Horse Mexican Café in Chelsea. Best Mexican Food!
Paris: Robert et Louise. The best Cote de Boeuf
Milan: I have yet to find a favorite. Still haven’t eaten well in Milan
Favorite store in the same cities?
That’s a tricky one. Probably Zara. I’ve become a big fan lately.
Laura Minquini
20 responses to “Q&A with Jak and Jil’s Tommy Ton”
March 24th, 2009 at 16:42
[...] and Jil’s Tommy Ton interview about his new Lane Crawford [...]
March 30th, 2009 at 12:53
[...] Tommy Ton Interview on White Sky Check out Laura Minquini’s interview of Jak and Jil’s Tommy Ton for the White Sky Blog. [...]
April 3rd, 2009 at 21:14
i love what he did at Rad Hourani backstage, he made me die!
July 10th, 2009 at 20:09
[...] to see on-line check out the relaunched Pop magazine site called The Pop. And make sure you check Jak&Jil’s more playful take on [...]
September 8th, 2010 at 20:54
Hi,very good post. Informations are really exciting and saves me huge amount of time which I have spend on something else instead of searching posts like this
Im waiting for more, bye 
December 2nd, 2010 at 16:08
I’m beginning my very own blog to share my pictures encounters. Do you find it hard or simple to post regularly?
February 27th, 2011 at 4:53
“You have a truly fascinating weblog. Too many blogs that I see now don’t truly provide something that I’m interested in, but I’m definately interested in this 1. Just thought that I’d pass that message on. “
April 9th, 2011 at 8:43
Posting this from a Mobile. Thanks! Very amusing article!! like the template by the way
August 1st, 2011 at 16:28
Hi all, I spotted your web site on my online listing, i need to say your blog seems great! Have a nice day!!
August 1st, 2011 at 23:32
Whats up, I discovered your blog on my web directory site, i need to tell you your blog seems great! Have a nice day!!
September 26th, 2011 at 13:16
There are certainly a number of particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a great point to convey up. I provide the thoughts above as normal inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up where an important thing shall be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged round issues like that, but I’m certain that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Both boys and girls really feel the affect of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
October 8th, 2011 at 3:47
Usually I do not learn article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very great post.
October 9th, 2011 at 7:01
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful info particularly the last part
I care for such information much. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
November 12th, 2011 at 21:06
I discovered your weblog site on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I just extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for forward to studying more from you in a while!…
November 30th, 2011 at 2:50
I like what you guys are up too. Such intelligent work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my web site :).
December 2nd, 2011 at 23:27
Your writing has really inspired me to really totally rethink the way I run my site. I really appreciate your hard work.
December 4th, 2011 at 7:47
Not poor, but Lil Wayne is no lupe! The album is entertaining but it lacks provocative lyrics and fascinating ideas. But there are actually some
December 4th, 2011 at 14:12
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that you should write extra on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
December 11th, 2011 at 13:08
I precisely needed to say thanks all over again. I’m not certain the things that I could possibly have taken care of without those pointers shown by you on such theme. Previously it was a real challenging situation for me, nevertheless viewing a expert strategy you handled it forced me to cry for gladness. I am just happy for your guidance and then trust you comprehend what a powerful job you have been accomplishing training people today through the use of a blog. I know that you haven’t come across all of us.
February 1st, 2012 at 14:34
Hello my loved one! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all important infos. I would like to peer more posts like this .