Written by Lewis Cameron

Tue. 12. Feb.

​Is it a bird printed shirt? Is it a plane patterned jumper? No…it’s Fashion Man. Also known as Joe Carlin as he dons an array of metallic infused pieces including local designer Karen Coyle’s De Lanco abstract silver sheen trousers and an oversized black feathered cape draped in gold and silver chains. Not a touch of red, blue or yellow in sight, however wherever Fashion Man goes, a single feather and a handful of optimistic fashion forward advice is left in his place.

Beyond Man caught up with Joe, who carries the title of Co-Artistic Director of The Quay Collective. One of Ireland's newest and most innovative companies in the world of fashion. To talk style, inspiration and Karl Lagerfeld.    

1. Describe your style in five words?
Joe: Vocal, eclectic, fitted, brave and impulsive.

2. Who is your favourite menswear designer and why?

Joe: I am a massive fan of Maison Martin Margiela, the boldness of Etro and I applaud what Riccardo Tisci has done for Givenchy - though I ain’t half as ghetto as I'd need to be to pull that off!

3. What is your most enjoyable aspect of working within the world of fashion and events?

Joe: The reward is in knowing that my work creates an amazing platform to showcase the vision and energy of others.

4. What are your favourite men’s trends atm?

Joe: Bold prints and brave colours in tailoring. I’m also in favour of amazing accessories for men: holdall bags with scarves and penny glasses.

5. What was the last thing you threw out of your wardrobe and why?

Joe: Nothing makes it into my wardrobe that is ever likely to be thrown out. Some of my shirts have had more comebacks than Cher.

6. If you could stock your wardrobe with one designer who would it be and why?

Joe: Alexander McQueen. It's just so wearable and ranges from plain to downright savage.

7. Your favourite male fashion icon? Why?

Joe: David Bowie. He was a champion of reinvention and pulled focus for fashion off the runway.

8. If you could be one man in the fashion industry who would it be and why?

Joe: Valentino. He's just renowned for creating beauty and being a masterful visionary. Lagerfeld is another great but I don't enjoy how free he is with his opinion of others. Grow some tact Karl!

Throughout his career, Joe has spearheaded fashion shows which showcase collections from new emerging designers alongside those more seasoned within the industry; including last year's 'Shapeshifters' catwalk which saw a collaboration between the newly established De Lanco and Red or Dead's Wayne Hemingway. Furthermore, Joe plays a pivotal role in discovering modelling talent, whose opinion has led and assisted on the panel of several modelling competitions in Northern Ireland. He regularly collaborates with Derry City Council, combining high fashion with the local community through design workshops and is currently producing 'Off The Cuff'; a springtime runway show showcasing the work of young designers from across Europe.

All images courtesy of photographer Big Bad Llama as part of a unique profiling from the photographer on Derry/Londonderry’s up and coming fashion talent.