Desert Island Dress

As Ireland celebrates the election of Catherine Connolly as President, it feels timely to reflect on the women whose work helped make this kind of leadership possible. This week’s guest is one of them. Ailbhe Smyth — academic, feminist, and lifelong activist — has helped shape Ireland’s social conscience for more than five decades. From the early women’s movement to the campaigns for marriage equality and reproductive rights, her voice has been one of determination, conviction, and courage. Her activism runs alongside that of women like Catherine Connolly — both championing equality, inclusion, and the belief that political life can be grounded in empathy and integrity. We recorded this conversation in early summer, before Catherine announced her presidential campaign, but its release now feels fitting. As you’ll hear, Ailbhe’s choices and stories capture the spirit of women who’ve helped change Ireland for the better.  For Ailbhe, there were signs of this determination right from the cradle … keep listening to hear more of Ailbhe’s coveted pair of little red shoes!  🎨 This series features hand-drawn sketches of each of our guests by artist Louise Boughton @louiseboughton_✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress:📸 Instagram: ⁠@desert_island_dress⁠🌐 Website: ⁠www.desertislanddress.com⁠ ⭐ Don’t forget to follow, rate & review the podcast — it really helps more people find us. 💌 And if you're enjoying Desert Island Dress, please do share your favourite episode with a friend!

Welcome back to our post-analysis episode of Desert Island Dress. Every other week, we take a moment to reflect on the stories and choices shared in the main conversation and pull on one of the threads that caught our attention.  ✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress:  📸 Instagram: @desert_island_dress  🌐 Website: www.desertislanddress.com 💌 Our ask this series: share your favourite episode with a friend, or follow and subscribe on your podcast app — it really helps us grow! For more stories, news and updates — including our first live show in Copenhagen with the Embassy of Ireland and recently published articles in RTÉ Brainstorm — visit desertislanddress.com. 

Today we have another wonderful guest for you — the creative, singular, stylish disruptor and artist, Gavin Friday.We first met Gavin back in May at the launch of a new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland. The exhibition, curated by Gary O’Neill, celebrates Dublin youth culture, street style, and subcultures from the 1960s to the 1990s. Gary has spent the last two decades collecting materials from the public, photographers, and photojournalists — and if that sounds like your kind of thing, the exhibition runs until March 2026 at Collins Barracks. What struck us that evening was Gavin’s enthusiasm for the Desert Island Dress project, and the care he put into choosing his four items to bring to the island. From challenging ‘fashion norms’ on the streets of 1970s Dublin, to celebrating the craft of a well-tailored three-piece suit by the late 1980s, Gavin never shies away from contradictions. Instead of shedding one identity for another, he layers and curates them — creating a fusion of all he has been, and all he is becoming. As his most recent album title suggests, we are invited to Ecce Homo - “Behold the Man.” We hope you enjoy this colourful journey through time, subcultures, and shifting institutions — with the absolute gent that is Gavin Friday. 🎨 This series features hand-drawn sketches of each of our guests by artist Louise Boughton @louiseboughton_✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress:📸 Instagram: ⁠@desert_island_dress⁠🌐 Website: ⁠www.desertislanddress.com⁠ ⭐ Don’t forget to follow, rate & review the podcast — it really helps more people find us. 💌 And if you're enjoying Desert Island Dress, please do share your favourite episode with a friend!

Welcome back to our post-analysis episode of Desert Island Dress. Every other week, we take a moment to reflect on the stories and choices shared in the main conversation and pull on one of the threads that caught our attention.  ✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress:  📸 Instagram: @desert_island_dress  🌐 Website: www.desertislanddress.com 💌 Our ask this series: share your favourite episode with a friend, or follow and subscribe on your podcast app — it really helps us grow! For more stories, news and updates — including our first live show in Copenhagen with the Embassy of Ireland and recently published articles in RTÉ Brainstorm — visit desertislanddress.com. 

Kicking off our fourth series, we are so excited to welcome Jo Ellison to Desert Island Dress. Jo Ellison, as many of you will know, is the editor of HTSI/ How to Spend It at the Financial Times, and formerly Fashion Editor at the Financial Times and Features Editor at Vogue. Having Jo spend time in the “hot seat,” as Katrina would call it, was a dream come true, and we really hope she enjoyed the conversation as much as we did. We were particularly delighted to learn how influential Ireland and Irish culture have been for Jo — from her early teenage crushes, through her first journalistic job in Cork at the Cork Examiner, cutting her teeth as an apprentice, to spending the last 30 years in domestic bliss with a previous guest and friend of Desert Island Dress, Irish playwright Enda Walsh!  What a fabulous guest to kick off the series! We absolutely loved chatting with Jo, and we left the conversation as total fangirls of the one and only Jo Ellison. Enjoy this episode!  🎨 This series features hand-drawn sketches of each of our guests by artist Louise Boughton @louiseboughton_✨ Stay connected with Desert Island Dress:📸 Instagram: @desert_island_dress🌐 Website: www.desertislanddress.com ⭐ Don’t forget to follow, rate & review the podcast — it really helps more people find us. 💌 And if you're enjoying Desert Island Dress, please do share your favourite episode with a friend!

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

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Hello and welcome to the Desert Island Dress podcast with myself, Dee Duffy and herself, Katriona Flynn. This week we are joined by ...  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. 

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Hello and welcome to the Desert Island Dress podcast with myself, Dee Duffy and herself, Katriona Flynn. This week we are joined by ...  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. 

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Join Dee & Katriona as they unpack last week's Desert Island Dress podcast episode.

Hello and welcome to the Desert Island Dress podcast with myself, Dee Duffy and herself, Katriona Flynn. This week we are joined by ...  The one & only, 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.   

In this post-analysis episode, we reflect on our conversation with Mandy Johnston and explore the themes that stuck with us—effort, authenticity, and the subtle power of getting dressed.From the blurred lines of post-COVID workwear to the quiet authority of a well-chosen outfit, we discuss why what we wear still matters. We also share a standout clip from The Diplomat that perfectly captures the politics of appearance in public life.Don’t forget to catch Mandy’s full episode from earlier this week, and follow us to stay updated on what's happening next with Desert Island Dress.

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, journalist, broadcaster, and communications expert Mandy Johnston joins us to share the stories behind the clothes that have shaped her life. From career-defining purchases to sentimental staples, Mandy reflects on the power of dressing with intention, the fine line between fashion and style, and why great clothes—like great friends—stand the test of time.We also explore the shifting boundaries between workwear and leisurewear, the emotional weight of investment pieces, and how fashion plays a role in confidence and communication.📌 Follow Mandy Johnston on Instagram: @mandyjohnstonpr📌 Learn more about Mandy's radio show Taking Stock on Newstalk: https://www.newstalk.com/shows/taking-stock-834298📌 Keep up with Desert Island Dress on Instagram: @desert_island_dressNext Episode: We’ll be back this Friday with our post-analysis episode, where we reflect on Mandy's choices and dive deeper into the themes that emerged in this conversation. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!🎧 Desert Island Dress is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, rate, and review to help us keep sharing these incredible stories!

In this post-analysis episode of Desert Island Dress, we reflect on our powerful conversation with Leon Diop. We explore his choice to wear a Charles Oliveira hoodie and what it reveals about resilience, identity, and surrounding yourself with positive role models.We also unpack the cultural urgency of Netflix’s Adolescence, the rise of harmful online influencers like Andrew Tate, and the critical need for young people—especially boys—to see strength in empathy, discipline, and belonging.From martial arts to mindset, this is an episode about the values we wear and the influence they carry.📌 Follow Leon Diop on Instagram: @leon_diop_📌 Learn more about Black & Irish: https://blackandirish.com/📌 Keep up with Desert Island Dress on Instagram: @desert_island_dress🎧 Desert Island Dress is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, rate, and review to help us keep sharing these incredible stories!

In this episode of Desert Island Dress, we’re joined by activist, community leader, and founder of Black & Irish, Leon Diop. Through his chosen garments, Leon shares his journey of self-expression, resilience, and identity—exploring what it means to be both Black and Irish in modern Ireland. We talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the personal experiences that led him to create Black & Irish, a platform dedicated to amplifying Black and mixed-race Irish voices.Leon reflects on childhood nostalgia, the impact of fashion as a form of self-expression, and how clothing connects us to our past, our culture, and the communities we belong to. We also get into an unexpected connection with Mariah Carey, the role of sport in shaping identity, and the importance of finding confidence in your own skin.This is a conversation full of warmth, humour, and deep insights, and we are so grateful to Leon for sharing his stories with us. 📌 Follow Leon Diop on Instagram: @leon_diop_📌 Learn more about Black & Irish: https://blackandirish.com/📌 Keep up with Desert Island Dress on Instagram: @desert_island_dressNext Episode:We’ll be back this Friday with our post-analysis episode, where we reflect on Leon’s choices and dive deeper into the themes that emerged in this conversation. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it!🎧 Desert Island Dress is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, rate, and review to help us keep sharing these incredible stories!

In this post-analysis episode, we reflect on our conversation with Havana boutique founder Nikki Creedon—not just through the lens of fashion, but through a wider cultural conversation sparked by her long-standing support of Irish design.Inspired by a quote from retail expert Mary Portas, who suggested that Irish retailers should "sell the feeling of being Irish," we consider what that feeling actually means. From the cultural nostalgia of Claddagh rings and Aran jumpers to the modern expressions of Irishness in music, sport, and multicultural identity, we wonder: how is Irishness being redefined by a new generation of creatives?If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review to help more people discover Desert Island Dress! Follow us on @desert_island_dress🎧 Listen now on Spotify/Apple Podcasts/any other platform links!