Tommy Ton's Summer Style Tips

Aug 04, 2013

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Yes, Tommy Ton is the world's greatest street style photographer. Period. End of discussion. Get all the fuck the way out of here forever if you disagree. But behind the camera is a man constantly seeking inspiration from others and one who truly understands the fashion industry and, more importantly, his own role within it. That isn't to say he doesn't have a slight advantage when it comes to predicting the newest trends (just think about all the photos he's taken that haven't made it to the Internet), but he does what he does because he's ultimately a fan in the purest sense who wants the best—to be blown away by new things, whether they be by products, people or art. It's his passion that makes him great, and why we turned to him to serve up some tips on being the best version of yourself this summer. And, oh yeah, it starts by not outfit trolling him at Fashion Week in an effort to get your picture snapped. As Tommy puts it, "I love catching the fish that swim away."

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Go To Japan

"Go there to cleanse your soul and to escape the American culture of Twitter ranting. People there are so civilized."

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Don't Pay Full Price For Anything

"It's ridiculous what some things cost nowadays. If you wait long enough things will go on sale. Personally, I go to sleep and wake up to Yoox."

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Buy Clothes Out Of Season

"Maybe I just think that because I'm always photographing people wearing new trends and of-the-moment statement pieces. If you do want to buy now, don't wear it now..."

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...Except New Nikes

"The Flyknit changed my life because I can now do my job comfortably. And just being at the headquarters and seeing how much research goes into making these shoes appropriate for everyday wear and athletes was really fascinating. Someone recently said to me, 'Nike is the new Nike' and I think that makes a lot of sense."

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Check Out Overall Mastercloth

"It's headed by Chris Gibbs and Matthew from visvim. It's workwear, but definitely with a twist. It's kind of like Carhartt, but with different fabrications and colorways. They're definitely one to look out for."

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Buy Japanese Brands In Japan If You Can

"I love visvim because everything has a real sense of hand, but it's prices are obviously ridiculously expensive. But in Japan, something that here is $1600 is, like, $700 there."

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Don't Use Social Media To Be Negative

"Unfortunately when people do make an effort to put out positive things on social media, no one retweets or favorites them."

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In Fact, Don't Talk On Social Media At All

"Aren't we just tired of hearing each other talk and talk and talk? Whatever happened to just having a conversation with someone in person? Honestly, the most interesting people I've ever met usually don't care about social media at all."

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Just Wear Your Clothes

"If you're going to buy these nice things then you should wear them. But don't feel like you have to wear them in a way that you think you're supposed to, or that you think will get photographed. I'm bored of Fashion Week style, but I love style."

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Never Lose Your Passion

"I still get excited by meeting new people and seeing how certain people who just don't care about street style, fashion, or the new APC Kanye collection wear clothes."

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Read Four Pins

"Four Pins makes me want to be better."

Tommy TonSummer Style TipsFour Pins

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