Firstly, what does the word style mean to you?I love people who have their own style, regardless of what is it, I Iove seeing
people doing their own thing. So many people look like clones.
You have a very unique look. Were you always oriented towards an alternative look?Thanks and yes, I think so, I wanted to be heavily tattooed since I was really
little and have always loved dressing up, dying my hair funny colours and
playing with make up.
An alternative look can be hard to describe, how would you explain it to someone
who has not seen it before?Hmmm, an alt look usually describes someone who looks different from the
mainstream, punks, goths, hippies, emo kids… All these different subcultures
are usually heavily influenced by music.
Have you ever faced discrimination or problems due to your appearance? As a
model, have you ever encountered problems from other models?I’ve had people shout stuff in the street at me because I look a little different; I
get called a “freak” on a regular basis. I usually just ignore it, I think it’s funny.
All the other models I know are lovely; there are very few alt models in
Ireland.
Do you believe your look accurately portrays who you are as a person?Not really, people often assume I’m a bit wild or tough but I’m the opposite, I’m
a big homeboy and love nothing more than an early night with a book. I rarely
drink and don’t touch drugs.
Tattoos and piercings are often seen in the alternative world as marks of beauty.
What is your opinion on this, and how have yours affected you?I love tattoos and when they are done properly they are very beautiful (just as
when they are done badly they look awful!) I do get a lot of attention because
of them, good and bad, I get asked on a weekly basis what I’m gonna do when
I’m 50? Em, be a little older and still have my tattoos, they don’t come off! I get
asked regularly if they are real too!
How do you view the fashion industry at the moment? Do you find it hard to find
clothing that embraces your style?I’m just back from London Edge, it’s a huge alternative fashion trade fair, I was
a little disappointed to find a lot of the companies mass producing the same stuff
over and over again, it’s all very boring. The designers and small companies who
were doing their own thing were amazing though. My wardrobe is full of vintage
dresses, super high heeled shoes and corsets, I style most of my own shoot so I
never throw anything out. Day to day I live in cardigans, jeans and vests, I have
a stupidly large collection of vests and cardigans.
Do you think it is harder for people of an alternative look to find employment?Sadly, yes. Ireland is a very small country and we are a little backwards.
And finally, who are your influences, your idols, if any, and what “brand” or
clothes maker do you like to wear best?I love Dolly Parton, shes awesome; she’s like a cartoon character. I want to be
just like her when I grow up! I wear way too many brands to list, I buy most of
my stuff from online shops and e bay.
Interview by Peigí Conneff
Photos by Gareth Byrd
