Ken Leung, an actor celebrated for his diverse career spanning nearly three decades, recently made his debut in the fashion industry, starring in Theory's Spring 2026 campaign. This unexpected venture highlights the increasing synergy between entertainment and fashion. In a candid conversation, Leung delves into his personal style philosophy, influenced by his New York City upbringing, and the subtle yet profound impact of his "Industry" co-stars on his fashion sensibilities. He also offers a deep dive into the evolving persona of his character, Eric Tao, exploring themes of retirement, redemption, and the complexities of fatherhood, alongside his burgeoning popularity on TikTok.
Leung's journey from acclaimed actor to fashion model is particularly noteworthy given his long-standing career in film and television. His role in Theory's campaign, featuring knitwear, relaxed outerwear, and lightweight separates, reflects a quiet confidence that mirrors his versatile acting career. The interview further explores how the world of high finance, depicted in "Industry," influences character styling, acting as a form of "armor" that paradoxically reveals vulnerability. Leung's reflections provide a unique perspective on the intersection of personal identity, professional roles, and public image in the modern entertainment landscape.
From Screen to Style Icon: Ken Leung's Fashion Journey
Ken Leung, a distinguished actor with a career spanning three decades, has recently ventured into the fashion world, marking his modeling debut in Theory's Spring 2026 campaign. This collaboration, featuring the brand's 'Made in NYC' collection, showcases a range of knitwear, relaxed outerwear, and lightweight separates that embody a sense of understated confidence. Leung shares that this new experience, influenced by observing his "Industry" castmates' ease with fashion campaigns, felt like a treat and an experiment. He praises the photographers, Tanya and Zhenya Posternak, for creating a comfortable shooting environment, allowing him to step into a previously unfamiliar realm with grace and curiosity.
Leung's personal style, deeply rooted in his upbringing in New York City's Lower East Side, prioritizes comfort and an almost defiant individuality. He recalls wearing a traditional Cantonese house coat as a child, valuing comfort above all, a philosophy that continues to guide his choices. He notes the unique duality of city dwellers' fashion—dressing for others while simultaneously asserting personal expression. The actor also touches upon the concept of a "uniform," acknowledging his own habit of wearing similar outfits daily for practicality. This pragmatic approach contrasts with the more deliberate styling of his "Industry" character, Eric Tao, whose attire serves more as a statement of ownership and power within his professional environment.
Eric Tao's Complexities: Retirement, Redemption, and Family Ties
In the upcoming season of "Industry," Ken Leung's character, Eric Tao, embarks on a journey of "trying on" retirement, a concept explored through his evolving style and personal conflicts. Leung describes Eric's initial attempts at a relaxed retirement look—cashmere hoodies and beanies—as a costume that highlights his discomfort with idleness, revealing a deeper struggle to adapt to a life without constant ambition. This narrative arc suggests that despite achieving what many perceive as a dream, Eric finds himself challenged by the very idea of doing nothing, hinting at his inherent drive and the complexities of his character's internal world.
Eric Tao's path to redemption is intricately linked to his estranged daughter and his desire to forge a genuine relationship with her. Recognizing her alarming resemblance to his own negative traits, Eric is compelled to confront his past as an absent father and seek personal growth. His efforts to connect with his daughter are mirrored in his interactions with Harper, whom he views as a conduit to understanding young women. This season, Eric's journey is defined by his struggle to navigate unfamiliar emotional territory, using his established connections and innate understanding of certain individuals, like Harper, to find a way back to his family. This dynamic exploration of fatherhood, self-awareness, and the pursuit of meaningful relationships forms the core of Eric's narrative, portraying him as a character grappling with profound personal change.