Several years ago, native New Yorkers Paul Alexander, JoJo Americo and Nashom Wooden – who, together, resemble a mini-model United Nations – laid low by folding “Sex and the City” stylist Patricia Field’s famous fashions at her legendary Greenwich Village boutique.

But, as it seems, it was all a ruse; a Clark Kentian subterfuge to conceal their collective identity, The Ones.

This trio of trendsetters almost got away with the clever cover-up, too. In 2001, they released an infectious anthem, “Flawless,” which reached No. 7 on the official Top Ten U.K. Singles chart. Still, they slyly managed to avoid the stateside spotlight.

As with all good below-the-radar alter egos, however, an underground existence is a limited engagement. Tensions are mounting, and their public is waiting. The Ones, who release their eponymous debut March 4, now have no choice but to show themselves. In all their glittering gregariousness.

In a recent interview, The Ones – whose flair for the dramatic rivals the darkest of knights – discuss their transition from minimum wage to multitalented musicians; the gentrification of New York City nightlife; their album’s behind-the-scenes team, responsible for the Scissor Sisters’ massive success; and how, when it comes to super chic, they’ve got it on lock.

Caped crusader, beware. Because Gotham’s got a brand-new band.

Gay & Lesbian Times: You guys met each other while working at Pat Field’s Greenwich Village boutique. How did you transition from selling camisoles together to cutting tracks?

THE ONES: That was the beauty of working with Patricia Field – everyone there had something else going on outside of the store. Pat Field’s was an extension of our nightclub lives, so after working together in the day we would perform together at night.

GLT: All three of you are club bangers from way back. How did that scene influence this new album, and how has it changed since you first stepped onto it?

THE ONES: The scene is so much cooler than it used to be. With the Internet and YouTube there’s more access now to things that happened years ago or last night. We think that’s cool. Our friends in the NYC scene really inspire us. There are so many smart and talented people hanging in NYC right now. It’s not like when we started going to clubs; times have changed and so have we.

GLT: Does true downtown nightlife exist anymore, or has it all become so gentrified and mainstream that it’s all lost its luster and individuality?

THE ONES: Gentrification is one of the drawbacks of accessibility. The more access to thing, the more things get watered down. But the kids today are having the time of their lives, so it doesn’t matter how great things used to be.

GLT: Even though you’re set to release your debut album, The Ones have been together for a while. In 2001 the group infiltrated the U.K. charts with the single “Flawless.” Why haven’t we heard much from The Ones stateside until now?

THE ONES: Well, we toured a lot through Europe on the strength of our first two singles, and the rest of the time was spent writing and recording. “Flawless” was the first song we had ever written together. We didn’t feel any pressure to rush it.

GLT: Do you think this album have what it takes to perform as well in the U.S. as your previous singles did in Europe?

THE ONES: We think it can perform better. Some of these songs will appeal to a listener who would have never liked “Flawless.” However, we did include “Flawless.” There is a whole new generation of people who will love that too.

GLT: The behind-the-scenes team on this album is well known for cranking out glittering glam albums. Have they lived up to their reputation?

THE ONES: Even more so!

GLT: JoJo, you’re a DJ. Aside from your own music, what’s hot right now? What artists are knocking your socks off?

JOJO: I love M.I.A., and I am living for Roisin Murphy. Also, the new Siouxsie album is thrilling me right now.

GLT: You’re all very diverse, both racially and culturally. What are your ethnicities, and how have your individual upbringings played a part into what you’re able to bring to this group?

THE ONES: Jojo is Italian and English; Paul is everything that came through the Caribbean except Chinese; and Nashom is the decedent of African kings, and queens. We all grew up in New York City so we have that in common, but we had very different upbringings so Jojo brings a cool rock edge, Paul brings his love of classic dance music and hip hop, and Nashom loves the pop and R&B. Put it all together and everyone is happy.

GLT: I’m told that you guys appeared on the U.K.’s version of Bravo’s latest hit “Make Me a Supermodel.” Did you teach those bitches how to walk a runway?

THE ONES: They truly were not ready for us. They were too scared to ask, but some of them needed to. In the end all we did was perform our song, but we truly could have sat on the panel of judges. We know flawless when we see it.

GLT: Of course, fashion and music have always gone hand in hand, and it seems that coupling hasn’t overlooked The Ones. What inspires your fashion? In turn, how does fashion inspire you?

THE ONES: History, art, music and the weather inspire our fashion. We just wanna look good and live whatever fantasy is in our heads at the time.

GLT: For someone who might not be particularly interested in the type of music on your new album – and I’ll admit, I’m probably one of those people – why should they pick it up? How would you introduce them to The Ones without scaring them off?

THE ONES: If your taste is electro-dance, we got you – the rock-edged “I Feel Upside Down” will do it for you. If your taste leads towards rap, “Ultra Modern”will interest you. “Lost” has the sound of great old-school break beats. “When We Get Together” is just a beautiful song that reminds us of Sylvester and Patrick Crowley’s disco classics – although someone else thought it was more like a Madonna dance song. Without going all over the place, we tried to bring some variety to the album. Hopefully there’s a bit of it that everyone will like.

Michael A. Knipp is a 26-year-old freelance writer and the founder of Line/Byline Communications. He can be reached at michael.knipp@gmail.com.