INTERVIEWS
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 commentator on Irish fashion to publications including The Times Style, i-D and Irish Arts Review,
Aisling guest lectures at the National College of Art & Design and Limerick School of Art & Design and has been a keynote speaker at design conferences including Offset and The Future.
When Aisling joined us as a guest for Desert Island Dress, we wanted to explore her own attachments to garments and pieces. In exploring Aisling’s work and throughout the interview that passion for creative talent and nurturing that talent was so evident.
But also, the importance of key relationships and friendships, as well as the themes of motherhood and womanhood, were so wonderfully explored and presented. The significance of provenance was deeply rooted in the context of these stories, from Sicily to Dublin to Connemara - we thoroughly enjoyed being transported to these locations, item by item.
And if we were being cast away to a Desert Island, we might ask for the archive of Thread Magazine as our luxury item! Thread was a ground-breaking fashion publication co-edited by Aisling, beautifully documenting Irish creative talent at home & abroad.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Aisling Farinella, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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 didn’t translate through the sound waves, we urge you to take a look at some of his commercial, but in particular more personal projects for yourself - from his
PONY KIDS photography series, his book PADDY & LIAM, to his feature film Pavee Lackeen, Perry captures an intriguing essence of identity and beauty in the ordinary and somehow becoming extraordinary.
And what of his Desert Island choices and the man himself?! just as perhaps his dealings with his subjects in his work, his choices were thoughtful and considered, stories of hope in sometimes, unexpected places, and beautiful connections with people. It seems as though Perry is all about people and place, but with a real sense of respect for people in place.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Perry Ogden, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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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 discuss matters relating to fashion, and to have an easy time selecting her four items, Deirdre took us on many surprises through her choices, not alone, her own, perhaps, unintentional entry into the world of fashion writing and discourse.
We honestly could have chatted for far longer, as we were both captivated by Deirdre’s storytelling around matters so important to her, including the historical and present-day
rights of women globally, which resonates deeply.
Please do join us, as we head down memory lane with Deirdre McQuillan, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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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 evident that there is something very special about witnessing this kind of a maker and product in a small town in the west of Ireland, and yet perhaps that is in ways the mystic, integrity and magic behind the brand. Indeed, even referring to Nigel O'Reilly's makings as products or indeed the namesake as a brand feels futile because the craftmanship and outcomes are much more like beautiful art, unique and timeless.
And what about the item choices for the Desert Island Dress podcast? were they equally opulent and extravagant? They were wonderfully emotional connections to the key figures of the craftsman Nigel O'Reilly, grounded in the simplicities of everyday family life which lives side by side with the escapism of the creations being dreamt up by the Mayo native.
We were so grateful for the insight into these two parallel worlds, if you haven't seen Nigel's work, once you do you will never be able to forget it.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Nigel O’Reilly, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Niamh Fitzpatrick is a psychologist specialising in mental health and performance psychology.
You might notice Niamh mentions our persistence in inviting her as a guest on Desert Island Dress, and she tells no lies, we have been persistent! We have been aware of Niamh's work for many years, from her former Agony Aunt days on Today FM, to her role as Irish Olympic Headquarters Psychologist.
Niamh has been described as warm, insightful, creative and enthusiastic and we can confirm that she is all these things, and so much more. She is a wonderful storyteller, her four garment choices, from wellies to Wexford jerseys transported us from beautiful childhood memories to unimaginable moments of loss and tragedy.
Niamh's openness and integrity in memories and love of her family and friends will have a long-lasting impression on you, there is such clarity and calmness in her conversation and dialogue. We are thoroughly grateful to Niamh for joining us, for giving so openly her memories and stories, and for forgiving our persistence. We have no regrets!
And if you enjoy the episode, Niamh's book ‘Tell me the Truth about Loss’, is a beautiful and hopeful book which continues some of the themes discussed throughout the recording.
Join us, as we accompany Niamh Fitzpatrick down memory lane, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Irish fashion journalist Ruth O’Connor @ruthoconnorsays Ruth is an experienced journalist, specialising in design, craft, trends, sustainability and business, her ability to create a headline moment is evident and left us wanting to know more about her clubbing days and a famous or what should be famous, 'coat'. More of that later.
In other moments Ruth shared more emotional relationships and connections as she recalled the important people in her life, and the stems of her passions and advocacy for sustainability, heritage skills, innovation and Irish design became so evident.
Ruth's intrigue and support of Irish talent and creativity, and even just her kindness and support for this podcast show the true sentimentalist she is, and how she finds great resonance in what we choose to wear.
Do check out Ruth's musings in her weekly lifestyle column Desire Lines, in the Irish Examiner newspaper, along with her frequent contributions to Image magazine, Galway Now, The Gloss, and the Sunday Times. Ruth has also written for the Irish Times, Irish Country Magazine, The Business Post, and The Currency, and has been a mentor and a judge with the Design & Craft Council Ireland and the Institute of Designers in Ireland.
Safe to say, she is a highly respected voice in the Irish fashion scene, and we thoroughly enjoyed heading down memory lane with Ruth through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Irish music journalist, blogger, and editor of RTE’s Brainstorm, Jim Carroll
Jim brought all the energy and we loved it! What quickly transpires about Jim is his passion for creativity, his ability to offer compassionate but constructive commentary and a sense of perspective to the cultural landscapes, in particular Dublin's.
There is no doubt that he has a great ear for music and a sense of the next big thing, and long-lasting great big things, but his eye also for clothing detail quickly arose. From garment construction to the social cues these pieces hold, the conversation was charming.
If you haven't read Jim's writings or attended his events you really should – we'll pop some suggested links in the show notes.
We thoroughly enjoyed heading (energetically) down memory lane with Jim through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
The one & only, Davina Devine! @davina.devine
Davina is one of Ireland's most recognisable Drag Queens & Cabaret showgirls, having served on stages all over Ireland & Internationally for over two decades.
Charismatic and glamorous, Davina confirmed our suspicions of a large archive of fabulous costumes and looks, but it was lovely to hear the choices Davina selected for her Desert Island Dress collection, Yes there were sequins and wind machines but also nods to the Spice Girls and perhaps unexpectedly journalist Vincent Browne got a mention!.
A true Diva, and a wonderfully warm & genuine guest.
Davina Devine is queen of many talents Singer, Model, DJ Brand ambassador, one-half of the podcast Petty Little Things (a good play on words is not lost on us) and host of the iconic club night Thirsty Thursday at The George in Dublin.
We loved joining Davina on her trip down memory lane through the medium of (fabulous) clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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 transform from a bullied kid to a confident and creative force.
As someone who is usually the one exploring other people’s homes and memories on his hit TV series, Keys to My Life, it was special to have Brendan with us this time to share his most cherished pieces.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Brendan Courtney, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Gwen Cunningham, a renowned advocate for sustainability in fashion, whose work with textiles has brought her into profound conversation with the materiality and meaning of clothing.
Gwen’s selections span pivotal moments in her life, from a well-worn Superman T-shirt, a nostalgic link to her youth, to an intricately embroidered childhood cloak, perhaps a symbol of creativity and imagination?
As we explore Gwen’s relationship with these items, we’ll hear not only of personal history, but also of the larger narrative threads that connect fashion to identity, sustainability, and the art of living with intention.
Join us as we embark on this thoughtful journey through Gwen’s sartorial world—one that beautifully reflects the transformative power of textiles and the stories they carry.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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, Laura shares how hands-on skills, from sewing to mending and upcycling, have shaped her wardrobe and life. And how her approach to clothing is about more than just style—it’s about sustainability, creativity, and emotional connection.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Gaff Goddess, Garment Godess, that is Laura de Barra, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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Marie Louise O’Donnell — a former senator, broadcaster, and academic, known for her sharp wit, eloquence, and a career that spans across politics, media, and education
From her early days in boarding school to her adventures in the Senate, Marie Louise has always brought a sense of drama, humor, and intellect to every part of her life. Today, she’ll be sharing the four key items of clothing that have woven themselves into her personal story and explore the significance behind each piece, from the bold choices of her youth to the timeless items she treasures today. This promises to be a conversation filled with elegance, wit, and a significant connection to the fabric of her life.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Marie Louise O’Donnell, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
A multi-talented creative force, Zeda the Architect. As a fashion editor, stylist, costume designer, personal shopper, director, photographer, and producer, Zeda is known for her bold and unapologetic approach to style, effortlessly blending art, fashion, and culture in everything she touches.
Zeda is someone who lives and breathes fashion in its most expressive form. Whether it’s a vintage treasure or a custom-made piece, every item in her wardrobe has a story – and today, she’ll be sharing four of the pieces she holds dearest.
Get ready for a conversation full of energy, humour, and the creative magic that has made our guest a visionary in the fashion world here in Ireland.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Zeda, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Irish fashion designer and lecturer Peter O’Brien.
Peter’s illustrious career has spanned decades, from the vibrant world of Paris fashion to acclaimed costume design for theatre. Known for his impeccable craftsmanship and timeless elegance, Peter has dressed some of the world’s most fashionable women and has created costumes that transport us to different worlds.
Peter shares stories from being a young boy re-sequinning his mother's skirt, to designing for the world’s top fashion houses. Prepare for a conversation full of wit, nostalgia, and the magic of fashion’s power to transcend time and place.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Peter O’Brien, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Playwright Enda Walsh, a writer whose work is unmistakable—intense, lyrical, and always deeply human. His plays have shaped modern theatre and film. From Disco Pigs to Lazarus to Small Things Like These, which won the top award for Best Film at the recent IFTA awards (Irish Film and Television Academy) where Enda additionally won best screenplay.
But today, we’re stepping away from the work and into his personal world, through the clothes that have stayed with him over the years. In this episode, Enda takes us through the garments that have shaped his life, each carrying its own story of memory, creativity, and personal meaning.
His choices invite us to reflect on the role clothing plays in how we remember, how we move through the world, and how we tell our own stories.
With stories interweaving Dublin-based Department Store Arnott’s and its renowned Bargain Basement, to Irish singer-songwriter Enya, and Birkenstock sandals with Protestant socks, speaking with Enda was maybe a little like his work, charming, lyrical, and always deeply human.
We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
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Leah Hayden Cassidy, a Dublin-born, East London-based barber whose talent and creativity have made her a standout name in the industry, and one of three chosen grooming ambassadors to the luxury French brand, Dior.
But today, we’re stepping away from the barber’s chair and diving into the garments that hold meaning beyond style—pieces tied to family, heritage, and personal evolution. From sentimental keepsakes to everyday essentials that have become part of her identity, Hayden’s selections reveal a deep connection to her roots, her journey, and the moments that have shaped her.
With her signature warmth, it is easy to see how Hayden has built such a loyal fanbase, and we came out of the chat promising to visit her studio Croi, when we are next in London. It’s a conversation filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a celebration of the little things that make us who we are.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Leah Hayden Cassidy, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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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 are – from her stylish mother, who still picks out clothes for her at 90, to the fashion designers she’s lived with along the way.
Clothes, for Nuala, are less about trends and more about the stories they hold – the nostalgia of childhood outfits, vintage treasures of her time in Milan, to the practical, hard-wearing staples that have accompanied her on assignments from Westminster to war zones.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Nuala McGovern, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Irish photographer Rich Gilligan, whose work captures movement, individuality, and those fleeting in-between moments that make up a life. Having created work for brands such as Adidas Originals and WIP Carhart to photographing the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan and Cillian Murphy, what was it like for Rich to step behind the lens himself or, in this case, the microphone?
A joy.
Rich took us from the early days discovering skateboarding in Dublin to a career that has taken him across the world, Rich’s journey is one of creativity, community, and carving out a space that feels like home.
In this episode, we talk about identity, nostalgia, and the way clothes shape who we are—whether through the rebellion of youth, the rituals of growing up, or the sentimental threads that connect us to a time, a place, or a person. Rich brings us stories of discovery, personal style, and the quiet power of a perfectly worn-in piece of clothing.
Themes which arise also in Rich’s new exhibition The First Draft at Draíocht, Blanchardstown running until May 3rd, 2025.
So, settle in as we unpack the wardrobe of a life well-lived.
This is Desert Island Dress.
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A true curator of fashion, Nikki Creedon, the visionary behind Havana boutique in Dublin.
For over three decades, Havana has been a destination for those who seek not just clothing, but artistry—pieces that speak to craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless style. In this conversation, Nikki reflects on the moments that shaped her journey—from the early sparks of inspiration to the evolution of her boutique and the deep connections she has fostered with designers and customers alike.
Through her chosen pieces, we explore a life devoted to fashion—one filled with serendipitous encounters, treasured memories, and an unwavering passion for beautiful things. Whether it's a garment steeped in heritage, a symbol of personal resilience, or a piece that simply brings unfiltered joy, Nikki’s selections remind us that fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about the experiences, emotions, and identities we carry with us.
So, join us as we head down memory lane with Nikki Creedon, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
COMING SOON