Boys boys boys. We return to our Tangent Universe series to speak to one Mister James Craig of Joe Lean and The Jing Jang Jong fame, a band much talked about yet somehow still shrouded in magical musical mystery. Perhaps a little delving can uncover the style secrets of The JJJ…
SS: James, tell us, how did you find playing male model extraordinaire for the SUPERSWEET shoot? Was this your first Zoolander experience? Did you enjoy it?
James: Well, I was sitting in the pub with a friend and she (Bella Howard, photographer for the shoot) wanted to do some photos with me but had no idea they would be given to a magazine. Was a nice surprise really! Done stuff for the band but this was the best shoot ever.
SS: Do you remember the first item of clothing you saved up for?
James: Some fancy Nike football boots about 10 years ago.
SS: Describe your look aged 13?
James: Think I was a bit of a chav.
SS: Any fashion disasters you'd care to share with us?
James: White kappa bottoms. No regrets.
SS: Fashion and music have always gone hand in hand, how important is image to Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong?
James: It is important to us but we all have an individual style. We do care about our image but have never worried too much. The label got us a stylist once. That didn't go down too well.
SS: Describe your current wardrobe?
James: A mixture of vintage and new shirts, dark denim, dark brown shoes.
SS: What's your most treasured item of clothing?
James: My yellow paper camel jacket. I don't think I can actually wash it and it stinks.
SS: Image wise, which bands past or present, got it right and why?
James: An American band called The Monks. They actually had monks haircuts, incredible. I really like bands in uniform like the Hives and Kraftwerk, they really understand that link between the clothes and the music.
SS: 50s, 60s, 80s... what's your favourite style era?
James: I like the look of middle age women in the 80s.
SS: When was the last time you threw on a suit?
James: A few weeks ago at my Nana's funeral.
SS: Designer, high-street or vintage?
James: All but mainly vintage.
SS: Where do you shop?
James: Bang Bang on Berwick Street.
Words: Lena Dystant
Photography: Bella Howard