Desert Island Dress

Welcome back to our post-analysis episode of Desert Island Dress.

Every other week, we take a moment to reflect on the stories and choices shared in the main conversation and pull on one of the threads that caught our attention.  

✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress: 

📸 Instagram: @desert_island_dress 

 🌐 Website: www.desertislanddress.com 

💌 Our ask this series: share your favourite episode with a friend, or follow and subscribe on your podcast app — it really helps us grow! 

For more stories, news and updates — including our first l...

Today we have another wonderful guest for you — the creative, singular, stylish disruptor and artist, Gavin Friday.

We first met Gavin back in May at the launch of a new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland. The exhibition, curated by Gary O’Neill, celebrates Dublin youth culture, street style, and subcultures from the 1960s to the 1990s. Gary has spent the last two decades collecting materials from the public, photographers, and photojournalists — and if that sounds like your kind of thing, the exhibition runs until March 2026 at Collins Barracks. 

What struck us that evening was Gav...

Welcome back to our post-analysis episode of Desert Island Dress.

Every other week, we take a moment to reflect on the stories and choices shared in the main conversation and pull on one of the threads that caught our attention.  

✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress: 

📸 Instagram: @desert_island_dress 

 🌐 Website: www.desertislanddress.com 

💌 Our ask this series: share your favourite episode with a friend, or follow and subscribe on your podcast app — it really helps us grow! 

For more stories, news and updates — including our first l...

Kicking off our fourth series, we are so excited to welcome Jo Ellison to Desert Island Dress. 

Jo Ellison, as many of you will know, is the editor of HTSI/ How to Spend It at the Financial Times, and formerly Fashion Editor at the Financial Times and Features Editor at Vogue. Having Jo spend time in the “hot seat,” as Katrina would call it, was a dream come true, and we really hope she enjoyed the conversation as much as we did. 

We were particularly delighted to learn how influential Ireland and Irish culture have been f...

In this post-analysis episode, we reflect on our conversation with Mandy Johnston and explore the themes that stuck with us—effort, authenticity, and the subtle power of getting dressed.

From the blurred lines of post-COVID workwear to the quiet authority of a well-chosen outfit, we discuss why what we wear still matters. We also share a standout clip from The Diplomat that perfectly captures the politics of appearance in public life.

Don’t forget to catch Mandy’s full episode from earlier this week, and follow us to stay updated on what's happening next with Desert...

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, journalist, broadcaster, and communications expert Mandy Johnston joins us to share the stories behind the clothes that have shaped her life.

From career-defining purchases to sentimental staples, Mandy reflects on the power of dressing with intention, the fine line between fashion and style, and why great clothes—like great friends—stand the test of time.

We also explore the shifting boundaries between workwear and leisurewear, the emotional weight of investment pieces, and how fashion plays a role in confidence and communication.

📌 Follow Mandy Johnsto...

In this post-analysis episode of Desert Island Dress, we reflect on our powerful conversation with Leon Diop. We explore his choice to wear a Charles Oliveira hoodie and what it reveals about resilience, identity, and surrounding yourself with positive role models.

We also unpack the cultural urgency of Netflix’s Adolescence, the rise of harmful online influencers like Andrew Tate, and the critical need for young people—especially boys—to see strength in empathy, discipline, and belonging.

From martial arts to mindset, this is an episode about the values we wear and the influence they carry...

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, we’re joined by activist, community leader, and founder of Black & Irish, Leon Diop. Through his chosen garments, Leon shares his journey of self-expression, resilience, and identity—exploring what it means to be both Black and Irish in modern Ireland. We talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the personal experiences that led him to create Black & Irish, a platform dedicated to amplifying Black and mixed-race Irish voices.

Leon reflects on childhood nostalgia, the impact of fashion as a form of self-expression, and how clothing connects us t...

In this post-analysis episode, we reflect on our conversation with Havana boutique founder Nikki Creedon—not just through the lens of fashion, but through a wider cultural conversation sparked by her long-standing support of Irish design.

Inspired by a quote from retail expert Mary Portas, who suggested that Irish retailers should "sell the feeling of being Irish," we consider what that feeling actually means.

From the cultural nostalgia of Claddagh rings and Aran jumpers to the modern expressions of Irishness in music, sport, and multicultural identity, we wonder: how is Irishness being redefined by a ne...

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, we sit down with Nikki Creedon, the founder and owner of Havana boutique, one of Dublin’s most beloved fashion destinations. For over three decades, Nikki has curated a space where craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless design take centre stage.

From her early days working with Paul Costelloe to building a boutique that champions both international and Irish designers, Nikki shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey in fashion. We explore the influence of her stylish mother, the joy of discovering extraordinary pieces, and the philosophy behind her approach to cu...

In this post-analysis episode, we dive deeper into Rich Gilligan’s Desert Island Dress choices, with a special focus on Levi’s 501s and their cultural significance. From their origins as durable workwear for Gold Rush miners to their association with rebellious youth, counterculture movements, and high fashion, we explore how Levi’s has continuously redefined itself through cultural storytelling.

We also discuss the groundbreaking Laundrette advert of 1985, which reimagined masculinity, and Levi’s latest REIIMAGINE campaign featuring Beyoncé—an intervention in the cowboy myth and American music history. What does it mean to frame and reframe history? An...

This week on Desert Island Dress, we’re joined by Irish photographer Rich Gilligan, whose work has captured everything from underground skate culture to high-profile editorial portraits. Known for his ability to find beauty in the in-between moments, Rich’s photography is deeply rooted in storytelling, nostalgia, and the personal connections we form with the things we wear.

In this episode, we dive into:
🎞️ How Rich’s early years in Dublin’s skate scene shaped his creative eye

📸 The connection between photography, identity, and self-expression

🧥 The sentimental power of clothing and the stories they carry🏙...

In this post-analysis episode, we reflect on our conversation with journalist and BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour host, Nuala McGovern. From her formative years in Italy to the friendships that have shaped her, we explore how clothing serves as a marker of identity, memory, and personal evolution.

We discuss the deep connections between fashion and self-expression, the role of friendships in shaping who we become, and the concept of conspicuous consumption—how our relationship with clothing shifts as our lives and careers progress. Inspired by Nuala’s reflections, we also consider the enduring power of vintage finds, the in...

Welcome back to Desert Island Dress, the podcast where we explore the garments that have shaped lives through memory, emotion, and experience. Today, we're joined by the brilliant Nuala McGovern – Dublin-born journalist and broadcaster, and now a familiar voice as a host on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

Nuala’s career has taken her across the world, from Italy to the United States, from frontline reporting to the heart of one of the UK’s most iconic radio programmes. And while she might not consider herself a dedicated fashion enthusiast, her life has been surrounded by people who...

In this follow-up episode, we take a closer look at our conversation with Leah Hayden Cassidy. From the deep connections between fashion and identity to the role of heritage in shaping personal style, we unpack the key takeaways from Hayden’s Desert Island Dress selections.

Join us as we revisit the highlights, share our thoughts, and explore how the pieces we wear hold meaning far beyond the fabric.

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, we’re joined by the brilliant Leah Hayden Cassidy, a Dublin-born, London-based barber whose talent and creativity have made her a standout in the industry.

But today, she’s not here to talk about hair—she’s sharing the pieces of clothing that mean the most to her. From sentimental treasures to everyday staples, Hayden reflects on how style connects her to family, heritage, and the memories that shape who she is.

It’s a chat filled with warmth, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs as we explore the deep perso...

In this postanalysis episode, we reflect on our conversation with acclaimed playwright Enda Walsh, the first guest of Desert Island Dress Season 3. 

From childhood T-shirts that unlocked a sense of scale and colour to the unspoken rules of teenage fashion, Enda’s stories gave us so much to think about. We revisit the moments that stood out most—his vivid storytelling, the emotional weight of clothing, and the way garments can root us in time and place. Along the way, we dive into themes of memory, identity, peer approval, and self-expression. 

We also explore the power...

Welcome to the first episode of Season 3! 

To kick off the new series, we’re joined by one of Ireland’s most celebrated playwrights, Enda Walsh. Known for his poetic, deeply human storytelling in works like Disco Pigs, Misterman, Ballyturk, and Lazarus, Enda’s writing is unmistakable—lyrical, intense, and often laced with humour. 

In this episode, we step away from the stage and into Enda’s personal world through the clothes that have shaped his life. From childhood moments of discovery to teenage experiments in self-expression, Enda reflects on how clothing captures memory, identity, and creativi...

In this special post-analysis episode, co-hosts Dee and Katriona delve into their reflections on last week’s conversation with renowned Irish designer Peter O’Brien.

Highlights from the Discussion:

- Peter O’Brien’s Creative Philosophy: Exploring his fluid approach to design and the beauty in letting the work speak for itself.

- Fashion vs. Function: A lively debate on the intersection of practicality and artistry in clothing. Are we buying a story, a function, or both?

- The Blur Between Fashion and Costume: How Peter's background in costume...

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, we’re thrilled to sit down with renowned Irish fashion designer Peter O’Brien. Peter takes us on a nostalgic journey through his formative years in fashion, sharing his memories of childhood creativity, from sneaking sequins onto his mother's beachwear to drawing dresses in schoolbooks. With his characteristic wit and candour, Peter recalls the inspirations and pivotal moments that shaped his illustrious career, which spans from designing for top fashion houses to creating costumes for stage and film.

We explore:

In our follow-up post-analysis of Desert Island Dress, Dee and Katriona reflect on their thought-provoking conversation with dress historian Hilary O'Kelly. This post-analysis discussion touches on the personal and cultural themes that arose during Hilary’s episode and expands into broader topics surrounding fashion, identity, and self-expression.

In This Episode, Dee and Katriona Discuss:

Hello and welcome to the Desert Island Dress podcast with myself, Dee Duffy and herself, Katriona Flynn. This week we are joined by ... 

Dress historian & academic, Hilary O’Kelly  

Hilary teaches fashion and dress history & theory as part of the Critical Cultures programme at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin.  

Hilary's knowledge and insight into garment context, purpose and societal construct are thought-provoking and hugely considered, but more than anything Hilary is the most engaging and engaged lecturer and academic. Ask anyone who has studied fashion, textiles or Jewellery at NCAD and the...

In this special post-analysis episode, Dee and Katriona unpack their conversation with the unstoppable Zeda the Architect. From her boundless energy to her deep love of fashion, Zeda left the hosts inspired—and with plenty to discuss.

This lively recap explores:

In this vibrant episode of Desert Island Dress, we are joined by the ever-inspiring fashion stylist, Zeda the Architect. Known for her bold, eclectic style that blends statement pieces with architectural flair, Zeda’s work continually pushes the boundaries of personal expression through fashion.

Zeda brings her signature energy as she shares the stories behind four treasured items that have defined her style and career. From her iconic leopard coat, now dubbed the "Vogue coat," to her adventures in custom-made Nigerian attire, Zeda reveals how her sartorial choices reflect her heritage, personality, and love for fashion experimentation.

In this post-analysis episode, hosts Dee and Katriona dive into the rich tapestry of storytelling, style, and strong women inspired by their recent guest, Marie Louise O’Donnell.

What to Expect:

- Reflections on Marie Louise O’Donnell’s life, career, and her storytelling through clothes.

- How garments can encapsulate sentimentality, memory, and era-defining moments.

- The symbolic power of black in fashion and its role in identity and storytelling.

- A thought-provoking dive into cultural figures, from Kamala Harris to Edna O’Brien’s 'The Country Girls'.

- Th...

In this captivating episode of Desert Island Dress, we sit down with the ever-charming Marie Louise O'Donnell to explore her vibrant life through the lens of four unforgettable fashion moments. With her quick wit and delightful storytelling, Marie Louise, a former senator, broadcaster, and academic, transports us to the fashionable (and sometimes not so fashionable) eras that shaped her.

In this episode, we discuss the powerful role that fashion can play—not just in how we present ourselves to the world but how it connects us to our past, our families, and our identity. From bell-bottomed misadventures to...

In this follow-up episode, co-hosts Dee and Katriona unpack the highlights and takeaways from their conversation with Laura deBarra, diving deeper into themes of sustainability, garment care, and wedding dress dilemmas.

From Saturday Uniforms to Care Labels
Katriona reflects on Laura’s concept of a “Saturday uniform” and how it resonated with her childhood memories of valuing a few key outfits. This segued into a discussion on the importance of care labels, as Laura had linked care practices with sentimental value, sharing her grandmother's cardigan story as an example of a cherished, well-cared-for item.<...

\Welcome to another episode of Desert Island Dress with your hosts, Dee Duffy and Katriona Flynn, where we uncover the memories and stories behind the clothes we wear. 

Today, we have a very special guest, Laura deBarra, the brilliant mind behind the bestselling books Gaff Goddess and Garment Goddess. Laura is not just a style icon but a champion of resourcefulness, combining her love of fashion with her incredible DIY skills. From mending treasured garments to breathing new life into household items, Laura has a uniquely practical relationship with clothes and fabrics. 

In this episode, La...

In this follow-up episode of Desert Island Dress, Dee and Katriona sit down to unpack last week’s conversation with sustainability advocate Gwen Cunningham. They delve into the intriguing stories Gwen shared, including the myth of the selkie, which opened up a rich discussion on women’s identity, freedom, and societal expectations.

Drawing from Gwen’s four selected items, Dee and Katriona explore the surprising ways in which clothing holds memories, connects us to our roots, and can even challenge us to think differently about our environmental impact.

As they discuss Gwen’s treasured items, from a w...

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, hosts Dee Duffy and Katriona Flynn sit down with Gwen Cunningham, an advocate for the deeper meaning behind the clothes we wear and keep. Gwen shares the stories of four treasured items from her wardrobe, each piece connected to pivotal moments, relationships, and phases in her life. From a memorable Superman T-shirt to an intricately embroidered childhood cloak, Gwen’s choices reveal how clothing can carry layers of identity, memory, and meaning.

As the conversation unfolds, Gwen reflects on her enduring passion for secondhand items, the significance of textile repair, an...

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, your hosts consider the world of branding, exploring whether it’s all just marketing spin or if there's something genuinely meaningful behind it. Following their thought-provoking conversation with fashion powerhouse Brendan Courtney, they reflect on some of his insights and the broader implications of branding in the fashion industry.

From high-end labels to accessible favourites, they ask: What makes a brand feel authentic? Are we as consumers just buying into cleverly crafted stories? Or is there a real, lasting value in the stories brands tell? The hosts share personal anecdotes an...

Hello and welcome back to the second series of the Desert Island Dress podcast with your hosts, Dee Duffy and Katriona Flynn.  

To kick off the series, we are thrilled to welcome Brendan Courtney, beloved Irish TV presenter and fashion designer, as he takes us on a personal journey through his love for fashion, sharing how clothes have shaped his identity from a young age.  

Brendan knows the power of style as a form of self-expression, recalling his teenage years of reinvention with his iconic red leather biker jacket and bleached hair, which helped him tran...

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Hello and welcome to the Desert Island Dress podcast with myself, Dee Duffy and herself, Katriona Flynn. This week we are joined by ... 

stylist, creative director and consultant, Aisling Farinella. 

Aisling works across fashion and cultural platforms with her styling featured in prominent Irish and international editorial and advertising campaigns. If you were to explore who Aisling has worked with, it would probably be easier to start with who she hasn’t worked with!  

She acts as an industry mentor for the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, has judged numerous design industry awards, and is a c...

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

This week's guest is Perry Ogden, the visionary fashion photographer whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and beyond. His photographs have appeared in countless magazines worldwide including Italian Vogue, Luomo Vogue, British Vogue, W, the Face and Arena, and he has shot advertising campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Chloe and Calvin Klein.

Renowned for his unique ability to capture the essence of his subjects, Perry's photographs tell compelling stories that transcend the superficiality often associated with fashion imagery. 

In the unlikely case that our fondness and awe for Perry's work did...

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

This week we were thrilled to sit down and chat with Deirdre McQuillan - a freelance feature writer, author, and the esteemed Fashion Editor of the Irish Times newspaper. Deirdre has been at the forefront of the fashion industry for decades, offering her keen insights and expert commentary on the ever-evolving world of style.

Her journey through the fashion landscape has seen her influence trends, champion emerging designers, and provide a voice on the cultural significance of fashion in Ireland and beyond.

So whilst we may have felt Deirdre to be an obvious choice to d...

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Hello and welcome to the Desert Island Dress podcast with myself, Dee Duffy and herself, Katriona Flynn. This week we are joined by ... 

Master goldsmith and High Jewellery Designer, Nigel O’Reilly 

This is our first on-location recording, visiting Nigel at his beautiful showroom and studio in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. While we missed the pragmatic soundproofed walls of our usual recording studio, we were quite happy to be at the hub of creativity, surrounded by an exquisite jewellery collection.  

The craftsmanship of Nigel’s work is so intricate, and the paucity of materials so evide...