Why ‘millennial in the moment’ Justin Chang of Ascot Chang respects tradition and fine craftsmanship

One of the biggest challenges in modern life is finding that balance between the present and thinking ahead. Millennials are all about being in the moment, but when your work is deeply rooted in tradition and fine craftsmanship, it’s hard not to draw on the past as a way to move forward.

Growing up in one of the best dressed families in town, Justin Chang, grandson of legendary suit maker Ascot Chang, is adamant about learning and respecting craft traditions that have been three generations in the making. Taking on that classic and dapper approach to menswear, Chang has many responsibilities as the six-decade-old company’s deputy managing director, from sourcing to being the unofficial face of the house via his Instagram posts.

Between his busy schedule working alongside artisans and craftsmen at the atelier, to taking on projects such as a partnership with Oriental Watch Company for the Bow Tie Walk and Fine Gentlemen Evening, there’s never enough time in a day. “When helping run a family business where I want to dedicate the time to all aspects of the business, and wear different hats, it seems there’s never enough time to do it all,” he says.

Creating artisanal items is, he believes, a matter of trading in one luxury for another. “In this fast-paced day and age, time is increasingly a luxury. [Time] in our business is a measure of quality. When it comes to artisanal products, true craftsmanship cannot be rushed. In suitmaking, there is a crucial step that requires our tailors to let the internal canvas of the suit hang at a certain angle for four hours before the process is resumed. With time, the best shape of the suit can be achieved; without it, it suffers.”

Quality is the underlying key to luxury when it comes to tailoring. But if you’re going to take a page from Chang’s fashion playbook, being authentic to oneself is crucial. “In tailoring, we want our customers to walk away thinking, ‘That’s my suit’. Through the whole process of fittings, fabric choices and styling choices, the ultimate goal is to create something that is an extension of the client,” he says. “Details matter, that a true gentleman would only choose the best and the finest, and tailor-made never goes out of fashion. It is timeless.”

And who would this stylish gent ask for advice on fashion and business? If he could, he would turn to the man who started it all.

“I would definitely go back to the early days of Ascot Chang in the 1950s. My grandfather passed away when I was quite young so I never had the opportunity to work with him. I would love to spend some time with him while running the business.”

Justin Chang’s preferred watch