A Tribute to Carl Jong
Carl Gustav Jong, inventor of the jong.
Early Life
- Born in the town of Scherz, Switzerland July 26, 1875.
- The Jong family moved to the small village of Hosenruck in 1879.
- In 1884, when Carl was 9, his sister Trudi was born.
University & Early Career
- In 1895, Carl begins to study medicine at the University of Basel. However, his passion for fashion was growing.
- In 1900, Carl becomes fascinated by denim fabric and, with encouragement from Trudi, begins experimenting with this curious new textile.
- By 1909 Carl had pioneered multiple garments, including the jorts and the janties: two modest precursors to his namesake, the jong.
Midlife
- In 1913 Carl experienced a vision of the jong, brought to him in a dream by a small time traveler, and by 1914 had perfected this new garment.
- He spent many years traveling Europe, extolling the virtues of the jong, demonstrating its forward-thinking and stylish look, to no avail.
- Although there were many doubters, in England he met Sandy Huggins, who immediately saw the appeal of the jong, and in 1925 they were married.
Late Life & Death
- In 1943 Carl returned to Basel with his wife Sandy, to teach Fashion History with a focus on the denim textile.
- Carl Jong died on 6 June 1961 after a protracted illness.
- Sadly it would not be until many years after his death that the jong would be celebrated & accepted. But it's nice to think that the spirit of Carl smiles on those who wear the jong.