'I like fashion, but I love style': A Hood exclusive interview with street style photographer, Garçon Jon
When it comes to style, no one can pinpoint stand-out looks or unearth emerging trends quite like Jonathan Daniel Pryce, otherwise known as Garçon Jon. Born in Glasgow, Pryce is an acclaimed photographer, specialising in street style and fashion. Now, upon the release of his third book, Garçon Style, the 32-year-old Scot sits down with Manhood to talk go-to outfits, the influence of TikTok, and the best place for White Russians.
In 2007, Pryce was one of the first street style photographers to start making a name for themselves in the emerging industry. Fast-forward to 2010 his work would catch the attention of Vogue, whom he worked with during various seasons in the fashion calendar. 'The photographs in this book are a selection of my favourite shots from that time, showing men in London, Milan, New York, and Paris,' Pryce reveals. There are nearly 300 pages of portraits and landscapes showcasing the best of what I've discovered. I love the nuance between each city and how each place has its own visual language. Hopefully, this serves as some outfit inspiration, but also food for the soul. I interviewed some of the characters to get a deeper insight into their perspective on life, work, family, and the world around them, which was enlightening.'
This is Pryce's third book but, if you're unfamiliar with his previous works, we highly recommend seeking them out. 'My first book, 100 Beards, was a fun Tumblr project that became a publishing project due to its runaway success,' Pryce reminisces.' I also produced another limited edition book in 2015 entitled Gentlemen, but Garçon Style is my life's work. In some ways, it's been over a decade in the making.'
To say Pryce's work is a labour of love is a serious understatement. He's devoted his time and energy into uncovering genuine style and poignant stories; something which, in a world of fake news and social media popularity contests, we so need. 'I love authentic moments,' he explains. 'The man in his 80s who still wears a pressed shirt and blazer to pick up milk and a paper from the corner shop on a Sunday morning in Italy. Or perhaps a window cleaner in London wearing overalls and a utility belt just so. I like fashion, but I love style.'
As for his sartorial preferences, Pryce has carved his own sense of style; much of it built to fit his professional needs. 'I'm a man of simplicity, and I love when utility plays the primary role in the way we dress. I also think garments that stand the test of time are the most stylish. It's not about what you can acquire, but how well you take care of something that's been made with care, craft, and consideration.' So, what are the pieces he couldn't live without? 'I live in sturdy Levi's vintage selvedge jeans, Dr. Martens, well-made tees (my preference is Son of a Tailor), ASKET knitwear, and overshirts, most likely from Universal Works. In winter I love big layers. I have a large, soft-shouldered wool overcoat by Brooks Brothers that makes an appearance every year.'
At a time where trends come and go, it can feel overwhelming merely attempting to keep up. 'Instagram and Tik Tok seem to be the best barometer to measure how style is changing and evolving,' says Pryce. 'I think we're yet to see how COVID and working from home will affect dressing in the long-term.'
“I love authentic moments. The man in his 80s who still wears a pressed shirt and blazer to pick up milk and a paper from the corner shop on a Sunday morning.”
Travel is integral to Pryce's work, and it takes him all over the world. However, one of his favourite locations remains relatively near home soil. 'I love Paris; its diversity and multiculturalism is clear, and brings real flavour to the place that is very stylish and very French. There's a reason it's called the City of Light, and that makes it incredible to photograph. But above that, I think there's an appreciation of craft and tradition in France which results in the way of dressing that is world-renowned for being effortlessly chic.'
And what of his native Scotland? 'I wouldn't want to call anywhere else home. A friend has a cabin in the Highlands near Fort William; it's a luxury to spend some quiet time up there, somewhere so tranquil, when I need a reset. There are so many amazing things happening and businesses from Scotland, too. Begg & Co and ESK Cashmere are some homegrown brands worth checking out. I admire what David Lochhead from Finlay & Co Eyewear is doing right now, too, in terms of design and branding. Oh, and I've just discovered Feragaia, an alcohol-free spirit which is superb and made in Fife.'
Like the rest of us, Pryce has his own set of favourite haunts in and around his hometown of Glasgow. So, where might we spot him? 'I always enjoy a visit to W2 in the West End of Glasgow; it's a great menswear store with considered brands. As far as grooming goes, Ruffians on Queensferry Street in Edinburgh is a good place for a cut and shave. When I was a student, I couldn't resist a White Russian in Nice N Sleazy on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. I'm also gutted to hear that Spoon on Nicholson Street in Edinburgh has closed due to COVID; it was my go-to brunch spot.'
Having forged a career as a successful photographer, an industry that's notoriously difficult to crack, and with three books under his woven leather belt, dare we ask what's next for Garçon Jon? I'm currently exploring new forms of visual art—a lot of drawing and painting. I'm not sure where that will lead, but I'm keeping an open mind.'