Owen Jones Responds To Criticism Of Costly GQ Interview Clothes

But no Burberry in sight for theauthor.

Owen Jones has responded to criticism of the cost of clothing he wore in a photoshoot for the latest issue of GQ magazine.

Jones, who appears in May’s edition as an interviewee of Tony Blair’s former communications director Alastair Campbell, was photographed wearing an outfit worth a total of £1,569.

The Guardian journalist and vocal anti-poverty activist wore a jacket on its own worth £1,080, according to prices published alongside the pictures.

Jones was GQ's May 2017 Alastair Campbell interviewee, and on the right, wearing the expensive outfit
Jones was GQ's May 2017 Alastair Campbell interviewee, and on the right, wearing the expensive outfit

But as Jones pointed out in response to those claiming his appearance was hypocritical ― the clothes were actually on loan from the famous style bible, which is well known for its focus on men’s fashion.

”Just to clarify: I did an interview with GQ, this is their jacket,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Think the most I’ve ever spent on a jacket is £50 😂”

Jones wore a £1,080 Corneliani blazer, and trousers worth £190. The jumper, by the same brand, sells for £299
Jones wore a £1,080 Corneliani blazer, and trousers worth £190. The jumper, by the same brand, sells for £299

And despite the distraction over the cost of clothes, Jones’ interview with Campbell proves combative and fiery as the pair discuss Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, the Iraq War, and Brexit.

Tensions are high almost from the off, as Campbell chastises Jones for being late to the interview. “I’m very worried about this,” Jones admits. He later likens Campbell to Piers Morgan.

And over five pages, the Q&A covers off a range of topics, including why Jones previously believed Corbyn “was remotely a leader”.

Owen Jones spoke to former Labour communications director Alastair Campbell
Owen Jones spoke to former Labour communications director Alastair Campbell
Ian MacNicol via Getty Images

“This is where I worry,” he tells Campbell, “when I talk to you and say anything critical of the left.”

“I don’t want to do things that will be damaging to what I believe in,” he adds, before saying of his more recent criticism of Corbyn: “It is a collective failure, not just him, the left, including people like myself, no clear strategy.”

Read the full interview in the May 2017 issue of GQ Magazine, available now.

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