Inspired by the classic BBC radio programme broadcast, Desert Island Discs, our new podcast Desert Island Dress follows a similar arrangement and asks guests to...
From Childhood Memories to Body Ideals: Dee and Katriona Explore Fashion's Influence
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 Lasting Impact of Childhood Memories: Inspired by Hilary’s reflections on her ‘pony dress’, the hosts explore how childhood clothing can shape our early sense of self and contribute to our lifelong relationship with fashion.
When Does Fashion Influence Begin?: The hosts reflect on the power of brand recognition in children and the early pressures to conform to social or cultural fashion standards. Dee and Katrina examine how children start to develop their sense of style and how this can shape their identity even from a young age.
Body Image and Clothing: The conversation shifts to the body ideals perpetuated by fashion, drawing connections to current issues of inclusivity and representation. Dee and Katriona discuss the limited body diversity seen on modern runways and how this impacts societal perceptions of beauty and self-worth.
The Role of Fashion in Self-Expression: From the runway to personal wardrobes, the hosts reflect on how clothing serves as both an expression of individual identity and a response to societal expectations. They explore how the fashion industry’s portrayal of certain body types can have profound effects on how we see ourselves and others.
Key Themes:
The early formation of identity through clothing and style
The role of fashion in shaping childhood and adolescent self-expression
Current debates around body diversity, inclusivity, and societal beauty standards in the fashion industry
Fashion as both an armour and a form of self-presentation
Why Listen:If you were intrigued by Hilary O'Kelly’s insights on dress and memory, this episode takes those ideas further by exploring how fashion influences not just how we dress, but how we see ourselves and others. Dee and Katriona provide thoughtful commentary on fashion’s wider social impact, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in how clothes shape our personal and cultural identities.
Connect with Us:Website: www.desertislanddress.comInstagram: @desert_island_dress
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36:12
Clothing and Memory: Hilary O'Kelly’s Reflections on Dress and Identity
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 name Hilary O'Kelly will be amongst their most important and fondest memories.
Hilary's book Cleo: Irish Clothes in a Wider World – is a study of Cleo - one of Dublin's oldest clothing businesses. In it, Hilary documents the store’s promotion and preservation of Irish traditional clothing and crafts.
Hilary’s own passion for clothing, be it the clothing itself or the making processes, and the memories and storytelling around these aspects, is beautiful and so important in our conversations around dress.
We truly were honoured to head down memory lane with Hilary through the medium of HER clothes and the stories they tell.
This is the Desert Island Dress podcast.
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35:01
After Zeda: Fashion’s Playful Side and Why It Matters
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 impact on accessibility and creativity in the fashion world.
How Gen Z approaches fashion with a fresh perspective, blending individuality, practicality, and fun.
The idea of fashion as performance—whether it’s on the runway, at the Olympics, or in everyday life.
The tension between frivolity and depth in fashion, and why both have a place in today’s world.
Whether you’re a fashion lover or just tuning in for the stories, this episode promises to spark thought, joy, and maybe even a little debate about the value of fashion in our lives.
Join the Conversation:What stuck with you from Zeda’s episode? Share your thoughts with Dee and Katriona on Instagram: @desert_island_dress
Don’t Miss an Episode:Subscribe, review, and share Desert Island Dress to keep up with the latest conversations about fashion, memories, and everything in between!
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33:08
Bold Statements & Custom Creations with Zeda the Architect
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 episode, you'll hear Zeda’s thoughts on:
How her Nigerian roots and growing up in Ireland shaped her love for bold, flamboyant fashion
Her penchant for customization and how personalizing clothes allows her to truly own her style
Why individuality in fashion may not be as unique as we think in the age of social media
The importance of having fun with fashion and breaking free from perfection
Zeda's infectious enthusiasm for fashion as a tool for storytelling and self-expression makes this a must-listen for anyone who loves pushing the boundaries of style.
Follow us:
@desert_island_dress
www.desertislanddress.com
Follow Zeda:
https://www.zedathearchitect.com/
@notzeda
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57:24
Fashion, Fiction, and Fierce Women: The Stories Woven into Style
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'.
- The challenges and perceptions of women’s fashion in political and societal spaces.
- Romanticising tragic heroines in literature and their cultural implications.
Key Themes:
- Sentimentality and storytelling in fashion.
- The politics of clothing and self-presentation.
- Literature’s influence on how we view women and identity.
- Cultural and societal reflections on women’s roles through clothing and style.
Notable Quotes:
- "By being anti-fashion, you’re still engaging in the fashion conversation—it’s all part of the discourse."
- "Her black wardrobe was as much about simplicity as it was about drama—a reflection of her striking personality."
- "The power of visual storytelling in fashion is undeniable—what we wear is as much a statement as the words we speak."
Join the Conversation:
Have thoughts on the episode? Share your favourite insights and reflections on fashion, literature, or storytelling!
Visit our website:
www.desertislanddress.com
Follow us on Instagram to join the discussion: @desert_island_dress
Inspired by the classic BBC radio programme broadcast, Desert Island Discs, our new podcast Desert Island Dress follows a similar arrangement and asks guests to choose four items of dress, items which likewise have shaped guests’ lives, that they could not bear to leave behind on the mainland. Items that cannot be replaced.
Ireland