Series 2
TV presenter and fashion designer
Brendan Courtney
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
Brendan Courtney Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
Academic & advocate for Sustainability in Fashion
Gwen Cunningham
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.
Gwen Cunningham Episode Link
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bestselling author Gaff Goddess and Garment Goddess
Laura deBarra
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.
Laura deBarra Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
Former senator, broadcaster, and academic
Marie Louise O'Donnell
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.
Marie Louise O'Donnell Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link
fashion editor, stylist, costume designer, personal shopper, director, photographer, and producer
Zeda the Architect
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.
Zeda Episode Link
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Fashion designer and lecturer
Peter O'Brien
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.
Peter O'Brien Episode Link
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Dress historian, author and academic
Hilary O'Kelly
Hilary O'Kelly, a highly respected dress historian, author and academic who teaches fashion and dress history at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. Hilary’s approach to the history of dress—whether through her research, teaching, or writing—offers a thoughtful exploration of how garments hold meaning far beyond their fabric.
In this episode, Hilary shares with us the four pieces of dress that have marked key moments in her life. With her deep knowledge and rich storytelling, her selections offer fascinating insights into the ways clothing can reflect both personal identity and cultural heritage.
Join us, as we head down memory lane with Hilary O’Kelly, through the medium of clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
Episode Link
Post Analysis Episode Link