Josh Quinton : Dressed to Transgress

Step into the world of Josh Quinton, and you’ll find yourself somewhere between a 1970s disco, a Warholian dream sequence, and a punk club bathroom at 3AM—with better eyeliner.

How would you describe your practice in three chaotic words?

Ironic  - Referential  - Un-chaotic 

What era, icon, or scene do you always find yourself returning to?

 1940s via the 1970s filtered through the 2000s peppered with 2020s. High waist trousers and shirts is pretty staple and a sharp silhouette is important. 

Do you consider your style a form of storytelling—or protest?

In the past I never considered my style to be a protest. I remember being asked that in an interview 10 years ago. Now as I’ve got older and invested more time in politics and news I realise it is very much is.  The walls feel like they’re closing in on the LGBTIQ+ community and I feel it’s important to let people know we’re here and not going anywhere. Clothes are a good way to do that, especially if you don’t have loads of confidence projecting your voice. 

A true shape-shifter of style, performance, and creative direction, Josh has spent the last decade bending genres and genders with unapologetic glamour. Whether behind the decks, in front of the lens, or walking into a room like a living mood board, Josh embodies the spirit of a modern icon: never static, always stunning. Known for his razor-sharp style, subversive humour, and encyclopaedic knowledge of camp culture, Josh’s work blurs the lines between artist, muse, and instigator. From directing fashion films to curating looks that would make Leigh Bowery blush, he’s a master of visual storytelling that doesn’t just reference history—it seduces it.

What does glamour mean to you right now, in 2025? 

Not too much, I don’t really follow fashion but I do like to wear nice clothes. 

You’ve worked across music, film, fashion—what medium feels most like home?

They all do, ive got to a point now where all my work informs each other. I really like dressing up and going out and djing and getting everyone dancing but I also like sitting in my studio quietly working on a new collage series and implementing that excitement into my work. I operate with the same sensibilities across them all. 

What role does humour play in your visual work?

I’m very very British so humour is a big part of my life, there’s so many quirks and weird cultural oddness in Britain. I find it really fun fusing that with modern fashion elements. I get a lot of inspiration from cult British cinema and TV. Personal Services, A Fish Called Wanda… Euro Trash, The Royal family… Jeremy Beadle, Bodger and Badger etc etc

Where does character end and Josh begin—or is that the whole point?

I’ve never really thought about it. Im quite content to not explore the concept of my character too deeply - it’s just what I wake up every day and feel like.

 What’s next for you? A film, a book, or total world domination?

I’m currently working on a book of my polaroids which will be out later this year. Im also DJing all over the place, working on a new documentary project and music videos. Plus a whole bunch of other collage series!

In an era obsessed with minimalism and normcore beige, Josh Quinton is a walking argument for excess, for costume, for character.