Desert Island Dress

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...

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 cloth...

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 pers...

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 practica...

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...

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 : The L...

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...

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: The joy and playfulness Zeda brings to fashion and how it inspires those around her. The growing phenomenon of “dupe culture” and its imp...

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 defin...

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 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...

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. Th...

\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...

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...

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...

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...

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 powe...

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 wi...

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...

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,...

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 w...