‘Some days I like to explore my femininity’: How this actor mixes up his style
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Joe Donovan.
“I like to slay every day. You won’t find me in a tracksuit unless it’s styled with a blazer and cap.”
How would you describe your style? It’s forever changing. Some days I like to express my masculinity, some days I like to explore my femininity. It’s like a pick and mix. I think of fashion as characters I want to dress as; one day it might be a carpenter, another a cute little girl.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A vintage black leather jacket I bought at a thrift store. I can just tell she’s got some memories.
And what’s the most recent addition? A By Johnny set – cargo pants and denim jacket in black with white stitching.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Chunky black loafers, baggy blue jeans and my leather jacket.
“Ombré Leather” by Tom Ford is Joe Donovan’s preferred fragrance.
What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s now. Because of social media, we have access to trends and styles from all over the world, you can be inspired by so many different things.
Who’s your favourite designer? John Paul Gaultier. I love the grunginess, but it’s done in a very refined way. It’s beautiful, elegant and very flattering on the body.
What would you wear … on a first date? A singlet that shows off my tattoos with navy pinstripe wide-leg pants and a loafer … on a plane? I like to keep it comfy but still look good because you never know who you’re going to see at an airport. Baggy jeans, a graphic button-up shirt, yellow polka-dot Moschino tie and sneakers … on the red carpet? For Wicked’s opening night in Melbourne I wore an Eric Yvon coat which had an orange floral three-metre train. I had a florist make a tie out of flowers of the same colours and wore it with a white shirt and black suit pants.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Tom Ford “Ombre Leather”.
Old-school Onitsuka Tiger “Mexico 66” sneakers are top of Donovan’s shopping list.
Any go-to jewellery? I never take off my thick gold hoop earrings and I wear three gold chains – one plain, one with colourful gems and one with a green garnet.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A pair of brown, fringed cowboy pants and a T-shirt with an alien on it that I wore from six until they definitely did not fit me age 10.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was about 12, my mum gave me money to buy some new clothes, so my girlfriends took me shopping at Jay Jays. That feeling of confidence I got from all my friends telling me how great I looked in my new fluoro T-shirts sparked my obsession with fashion.
And your worst fashion mistake? I don’t have a lot of regrets, but I had a spacer put in my ear lobe when I was in year 9 at school and now I’ve taken it out there’s a gaping hole.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Influencer Sofia Coelho, her outfits are so unique.
What’s on your wish list? A pair of yellow Onitsuka Tiger “Mexico 66” sneakers.
Is there something you would never wear? There’s not much but jeans with elasticised ankles are awful.
What do you sleep in? My Calvins.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving street business casual – mixing ties with varsity jackets, baseball caps and Timberlands. It’s a ’90s New York City vibe.
What shoes do you wear the most often? Other than my black loafers, it’s a pair of silver and green Adidas sneakers.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I like to slay every day. You won’t find me in a tracksuit unless it’s styled with a blazer and cap. It’s usually baggy jeans, always a hat, beanie or bandanna, and lots of layering because I’m in Melbourne.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in my jocks on the coach, wrapped in a blanket.
Joe Donovan is currently appearing in Wicked the Musical, on now at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne.
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