Desert Island Dress

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 and pivotal moments that shaped his illustrious career, which spans from designing for top fashion houses to creating costumes for stage and film. We explore: Peter’s early fascination with fashion, from admiring Joan Crawford’s iconic dress in Humoresque to sketching designs as a young boy. His experiences studying at Saint Martins, where he found his "tribe" and immersed himself in the world of high fashion. Key milestones in his career, including his unforgettable creations for shows in Paris and his ventures into costume design, such as the dramatic gowns for Lady Windermere’s Fan and Talk of the Town. His reflections on the evolution of fashion, the challenges of maintaining a creative vision in a commercial industry, and his thoughts on today’s fast fashion culture. Peter also shares his personal Desert Island Dress selections, revealing not just the garments but the stories, emotions, and memories stitched into each piece. Join us for a delightful and insightful conversation with one of Irish fashion’s true originals, Peter O’Brien. Guest Info: Peter O'Brien is an Irish fashion designer and costume designer, known for his work with leading fashion houses and his timeless, elegant designs. Follow Peter O'Brien: @peterobrienoffical Listen and Subscribe: You can listen to Desert Island Dress on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts. @desert_island_dress

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

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.   

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!