Words: Alex Woodhall
With a keen eye for style, particularly among the hirsute of our species, fashion focused lensman Jonathan Daniel Pryce has built up an acute following in recent years – namely under his pseudonym GarconJon.
Since starting his blog, he’s shot for some of the world’s most well known menswear titles, published a book “100 Beards”, worked with esteemed brands such as Penhaligon’s and founded a movement advocating British menswear manufacturing – Man/Men.
We took the opportunity to get to know the man behind your favourite street style shots, quizzing him on everything from his start with a camera to how he spends his time in the bathroom – grooming, naturally:
What got you into photography to start with?
Art was always my subject of choice as a child. When I was about 9 I was given a bright red, plastic 35mm camera and it became my best friend. My mother used to be a singer in London in the 1970s so had hundreds of photographs of herself in storage at our family home. As I child I loved looking at these and thinking about the setting and style of the imagery. It wasn’t until I was 19 and I studied in New York that I began to take it seriously. I bought a second hand Nikon SLR from eBay and took classes in darkroom development and studio lighting. That really set me on the path to where I am today.
Why did you decide to focus on street style?
Street photography has always been a genre that I enjoyed as an art lover. When I studied in New York, a family friend would cut out Bill Cunningham’s piece in the New York Times each week. It was then that I really became interested in documenting style. This was around 2007 when blogging was beginning to take off and so when I returned from New York to Glasgow I decided to start a blog there. The popularity of “Les Garcons de Glasgow” really took off quickly and it struck me that the interest in this was way beyond what I’d imagined.
Which city have you found the most stylish from your experiences capturing the men on the street?
During the collections, I love Paris. There’s a huge international audience of buyers and press so there’s always incredible looks on the street. For everyday life, London wins. It’s the most naturally diverse both in terms of style and culture. Also the streets all have a different look to them themselves so it’s great for interesting locations.
Favourite London haunts?
The Experimental Cocktail club is a great spot for some late night drinks with friends. As it’s in Chinatown it’s usually convenient for everyone. I tend to work from Shoreditch House when I’m out and about so that’s my favourite place to have lunch meetings during the day.
For inspiration, I like to head to Tate Britain. My preference is this over Tate Modern and I think that influences my work most. If I want to see some great photography though, I head to The Photographers Gallery in Soho – there’s always something good to see there.
Obviously you travel quite a bit for work, where are your favourite places to shoot?
I really enjoy going to New York because of the energy in the city but recently I had a job in Lisbon and loved the vibe there. Very friendly and relaxed.
And for a holiday?
As I’m based in London when I’m wanting a break I tend to prefer going somewhere quiet and secluded. I went to Puerto Rico last year and that was incredible. I’ve got to say there’s nothing like going home to Scotland with it’s fresh air and striking mountains. Being surrounded by green is a lovely experience.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’ve always wanted to visit South Africa and I’m going for a shoot in October which is exciting. What I’d really love is to trek through Madagascar. That would be a memorable experience. One of my good friends has just transferred from England to Japan with work so I feel I’d be a fool if I didn’t visit.
Do you have any travel essentials (aside from your camera), style or grooming wise?
After so much travelling, I’ve become somewhat of an expert packer. I always attempt to travel light so a good case which has compartments is always important.
I think Eastpak so fantastic simple cases but for hardy travel TUMI does a fantastic job. I always take a few essentials from Lab Series for skincare, they keep me feeling fresh. Ruffians is my haircare product of choice and it’s always Penhaligon’s for fragrance.
All together that makes up my entire grooming routine. I always think simple t-shirts are a packing essential so I head to Uniqlo to get some new black tees for the road. I also take a half-lined blazer and cotton chinos for a chic look that’s easy to work for smart or casual. It’s all about versatility when travelling.
As a clearly stylish gent, who or what would you describe as your main influences?
I love seeing the old London boys getting a paper and milk on a Sunday morning wearing with suit and tie. It’s that dedication to style that I find inspiring. The true grit of real life that influences the locals in the area.
My biggest vice is magazines, which now line most of the walls in my studio. That definitely has an impact on my awareness of culture and style. Right now Cereal and Another Escape are in my grasp but I also love Monocle, Men’s File and of course The Gentleman’s Journal. As a photographer I’m constantly photographing things I see to keep on file as reference and also save a lot of images I come across on the Internet so it’s a mish-mash of visual influence.
Do you have a favourite piece in your wardrobe?
There’s a Spencer Hart car coat that I got three seasons ago that I adore. It fits like a glove and is the perfect shade of navy blue. My favourite blazer is by Paul Davis, a relatively small designer, who has a big focus on fabrics and uses a lot of textiles from the UK. I’m a big fan of British manufacturing and am currently working on a project to documents manufacturing of menswear in the UK. I discovered Old Town when I began my research and I now own a few items from them which are fast becoming favourites.
Best piece of style advice you’ve ever received, or given for that matter?
For me, it’s a line that can be applied to most things in life: “Keep it simple stupid”. If it feels too over the top, it probably is. There’s a class and intelligence about simplicity.
Who would you say is the most stylish man you’ve ever photographed?
There’s a man I photographed for a book that’s just been published with Penhaligon’s called David Gant. He’s an actor and the epitome of a contemporary gentleman. His Scottish heritage means he wore a kilt to our book shoot and I’ve never seen a man wear one with more style. The books titled “Gentlemen” actually showcase nearly 100 men with impeccable style so it’s hard to pick just one.
You’ve focused on beards as part of your work previously, how rigorous is your own grooming routine?
To be honest I don’t have a huge grooming routine. The simplicity theme is still present here. I use Ruffians clay on my hair and Lab Series for my skin. Both these companies have the best products for me – particularly with skincare. I always wash my face in the morning and evening and use a little anti-shine moisturiser.
When I wear fragrance I like very subtle perfumes that blend naturally and I find most of Penhaligon’s are perfect for that. I’ve been wearing Opus for years but the new fragrance No. 33 is quickly overtaking.
Any grooming mishaps every man should avoid?
One common mishap that I personally don’t like is dousing too much fragrance on. A scent should enhance style not dominate.
Finally, what makes a man a gentleman in the modern day?
For me it’s about behaviour. A considerate approach to the world that reflects in all aspects of life. A contemporary gent knows how others perceive him and is confident in that. I certainly think there has been a movement toward this in the past 10 years and I’m glad we’re celebrating this in many ways.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
