BYO: How long have you been modelling for?

JAMES: 3-4 years. I started in 2014.

BYO: What drew you to modelling, how did you get your start?

JAMES: I didn’t set out to become a model. I was working for Greenpeace and talking to someone on the street about the Great Barrier Reef. He ended up being a photographer (Pat Subsuri). He introduced me to a few people, I was signed with an agency and was told to get a passport. I kind of ignored them but was told I was going to Spain the next week so had to get an emergency passport. Barcelona was my first job and then I hung around in London for a bit after that.

BYO: What do you do when you’re not modelling?

JAMES: I live a short walk from the beach near Newcastle. I body board, travel to and from Sydney a lot and catch up with friends and family. I have a bit of free time and I have friends all across the state, so I see them too.

BYO: What’s been the highlight of your modelling career so far?

JAMES: It was when I was walking for Replay Jeans. They held a fashion show in Mykonos which was basically a whole weekend of partying. There were Victoria’s Secret Models and celebrities around. I ended up dancing with Alessandra Ambrosio and at one stage she flicked her head back and cracked my nose...blood was streaming from my nose and went everywhere.

BYO: Describe your personal style.

JAMES: I don’t really have much of a personal style. I usually go for a trusty set of board shirts and cool t-shirt. I guess my style’s kind of skater-ish and if I was going out I’d grunge it up a bit. Definitely not smart casual.

Instagram: @jvckphillipz