Sequins, Sketches, and Couture: A Life in Fashion with Peter O'Brien

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