Series 1
Are you interested in the clothes we wear? The stories they tell? Do you wonder Why we wear, what we wear, when we wear it?
Or are you someone who claims never to give clothing a second thought?
Episode Format:
Inspired by the classic BBC radio broadcast, Desert Island Discs, our new podcast follows a similar arrangement.
We ask guests to choose four items of dress, items which have shaped their lives and that they could not bear to leave behind on the mainland.
Post Analysis Episode:
Every other week, Dee and Katriona reflect on guest’s stories, unpack anything of social, historic, fashionable or just general interest, and have a good reflective chat on the conversation.
Drag Queens & Cabaret showgirls,
Davina Devine
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.
Davina Devine Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
Music journalist, blogger, and editor of RTE’s Brainstorm
Jim Carroll
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.
Jim Carroll Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
Journalist
Ruth O'Connor
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.
Ruth O'Connor Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
psychologist specialising in mental health and performance psychology
Niamh Fitzpatrick
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.
Niamh Fitzpatrick Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
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Master goldsmith and High Jewellery Designer
Nigel O'Reilly
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.
Nigel O'Reilly Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
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Fashion Editor of the Irish Times
Deirdre McQuillan
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.
Deirdre McQuillan Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
Photographer
Perry Ogden
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.
Perry Ogden Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
Stylist, creative director and consultant
Aisling Farinella
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.
Aisling Farinella Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link