(Photo: Jan Kwan)
Cover Jerry Tong (Photo: Jan Kwan)

Tatler showcased the most fashionable individuals from Hong Kong on the recently revealed Asia's Most Influential: Style list, and we spoke to Jerry Tong about his international fashion influences and love of design details

Jerry Tong is the co-founder of Hong Kong menswear emporium Prologue, which offers bespoke tailoring, made-to-measure and ready-to-wear. It’s not just about “the suit” however, despite Tong owning dozens if not hundreds of them. Instead, he cites an appreciation for classic timepieces and automobiles that inform the modernity of our design choices today.

See more: These Are The Most Stylish People in Hong Kong in 2021

1. How would you describe your personal style? 

My personal style is a convalescence and clashing of the many styles and things I like. It's rooted in classic menswear, and my appreciation for older things and the way things used to be made has now extended beyond what I wear to the tools and instruments I want to use and how I want to adorn my home.

2. What’s a fashion Instagram account you’re currently obsessed with?

Of late it would probably be @adret_official, not only for the louche clothing but more as a looking glass through Adam Roger’s mind with references to and inspirations from architecture, furniture design, and colours, which provide a context for the pieces he creates.

3. What is your favourite fashion memory and why? 

That would have to be my first visit to an old Neapolitan tailor I’ve long admired from afar, maestro Antonio Panico. With my friend and business partner Chris we arranged an appointment to have two jackets made for us. As we arrived at the big marked wooden door, we were greeted by signore Panico himself who welcomed us into his sitting room where we were offered an espresso as per Neapolitan custom, even though we could hardly communicate. When it came time to pick our fabrics, Chris uncovered a lovely fawn checked jacketing he excitedly brought over to Panico to ask his thoughts. In his gruff drawl, Panico said "Not for you. For him." And plopped the fabric onto my shoulder as if to knight me. Turns out he hit the nail on the head with the jacket—it has become one of my favourites, although it wasn’t exactly chosen by me to start with. 

Tatler Asia
(Photo: Jan Kwan)
Above Jerry Tong (Photo: Jan Kwan)

4. What is an item in your closet that holds a lot of sentimental value?

That would be my mocha double breasted wedding suit for commemorating the most important day of my life.

5. What is the most unusual item in your closet?

My most unusual piece is a knitted Noragi-style cardigan from Japan with Cowichan sweater embroidery woven with indigo dyed yarn. Pretty much the definition of my personal style—it borrows from a multitude of references from far and wide. 

6. What is a fashion faux pas you’ve committed that still makes you cringe?

This would have to be what I wore to my cousin’s casual wedding back in 2005, when hip-hop brands were all the rage. Oversized t-shirt, sweats—and let’s not get into the jewellery.

7. What’s something you wish you could change about the fashion world?

Considering how fast fashion has been proven to cause irrevocable harm to ecosystems and the environment, I wish we could see more people buying fewer items but buying better.

Tatler Asia
(Photo: Jan Kwan)
Above Jerry Tong (Photo: Jan Kwan)

8. What’s something you would never wear?

A kilt. 

9. There’s a fire and you can only save one item in your closet—which would be it?

A difficult question. I might have to burn with everything, but if I had to pick just one it’s still my answer to question 4.

10. What’s an item on your wish list right now?

I’m after a dinner suit—a replacement for my previous black tie rig is long overdue.

Follow Jerry here.

 

NOW READ:

Asia's Most Stylish: Mira Yeh, The Belle of the Ball

Asia's Most Stylish: Vann Kwok, The Goldsmith

Asia's Most Stylish: Angus Tsui, The Futurist