Supersweet

Interview

The Tangent Universe Boys Deconstructed Pt.3

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