Brown Thomas Podcast

Female-led Irish brands are having a moment right now, in this episode of Brown Thomas Presents much-loved co-founder of BEO Wellness Aoibhín Garrihy takes over the mic and speaks with wellness expert and founder of GROUND Wellbeing Peigín Crowley, they talk about the generosity of Irish women in business, how their brands developed from the kitchen table and why their intuitive self-care products are designed to bring a sense of support to women at every stage of life.

Broadcaster and former CREATE alumni Angela Scanlon guest host's our latest episode of Brown Thomas Presents. This year marks an amazing 13 years of Brown Thomas CREATE, a platform which continues to support the next generation of Irish design talent. Angela chats with 3 designers Sara O'Neill of Éadach, Rachel Maguire of Rashhiiid and Sarah Caine on life as a young designer and their Brown Thomas CREATE journey...

BT Pride special: The importance of sharing stories To celebrate Pride 2023 guest host and friend of Brown Thomas Kyle Sven, the photographer and artist behind many of our incredible shoots and campaigns, interviews Ciaran Gaffney, founder of Seanchoíche, a storytelling night founded in Dublin but taking on the world to inspire people to share their stories of love, identity and so much more.

From the best shows to the hottest new season designers, the coolest muses and the key pieces we will all want to add to our wardrobe this autumn, Louise Duffy talks to our Fashion Buying Director Shelly Corkery on her favourite fashion moments from AW23 and what really happens at fashion month...

To coincide with the launch of Hair by Sam McKnight in store and online host Louise Duffy chats with celebrity hairstylist on how he created looks for Vogue shoots in the supermodel era, that iconic hairstyle for Princess Diana and the hero products he has created for his incredible brand Hair by Sam McKnight.

In this episode of the Brown Thomas podcast recorded for our Positive Change Festival, guest host and sustainability journalist, Jo Linehan is joined by Dana Thomas. A sustainability pioneer, Dana has authored three industry-disrupting books and is the Sustainability Contributing Editor for British Vogue. Here the pair discuss the future of fashion, the positive changes happening within the industry and why despite challenges, her passion for fashion still burns brightly. 

In this episode of the Brown Thomas podcast the sister duo behind the brand Otiumberg sit down with host Louise Duffy to discuss sustainability red flags, the allure of seasonless fashion and what it's really like to run a business with your sibling.

In this episode of the Brown Thomas podcast recorded for our Positive Change Festival, guest host and sustainability journalist, Jo Linehan sits down with Jacquelyn Kankam, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact for Deciem. They discuss The Ordinary's goal of growing a sustainable beauty business.

Reality TV star turned entrepreneur Tommy Mallet talks to BT Podcast about how he started designing footwear, his Irish family, visiting the Brown Thomas Dublin store and how everything he does now is about changing the lives of other people.

In this episode, our host Louise Duffy talks to one of Ireland's best loved brands, Sculpted by Aimee Connolly. She chats about her career trajectory, on being a young female entrepreneur and how Ireland is blessed with an amazing network of inspiring, encouraging business women.

Caroline Hirons, Founder of Skin Rocks and author of The New Edit In this episode, we speak to much loved beauty industry expert, Caroline Hirons, founder of the app Skin Rocks and author of the skincare bible The New Edit. She's loved by beauty aficionados everywhere for her honest approach to the industry. Host Louise Duffy discusses the business of skincare with her, tune in for her take on ingredients to beauty routines that actually work.

In this episode, we speak to goldsmith and jewellery designer Nigel O'Reilly, who has forged his approach to design by his exposure to excellence. Nigel started his professional life in engineering but his creativity moved him in the direction of jewellery. He has spent the past decade creating for some of the world's most luxurious jewellery houses. In 2009 he founded his own studio in the West of Ireland. Hear Nigel discuss his unlikely beginnings in the industry, his influences and the exciting upcoming international projects.

In this week's podcast, Louise talks to Purna Khatau and Phoebe Vickers, founders of Rhode. The friends speak about the evolution of Rhode, founded in 2014, their distinctive colourful and playful aesthetic and their plans for the future.

Viola Gayvis aka Tafadzwa Donald Mzondo is one of Ireland's most exciting talents within the Drag Art scene. Viola's revolutionary performances have quickly catapulted her to deserved heights and she can be found performing regularly across Dublin and the rest of Ireland. In conversation with Louise Duffy, Viola explores her experiences of being a Drag Queen of colour in Ireland as well as discussing the power of pushing the boundaries of gender norms and the freedom that comes from following the career of your dreams rather than the career of your degree.

In today's podcast, we talk to Norman Crowley, CEO of Wicklow-based, Ava. Sitting in the heart of Powerscourt Estate, Ava Studio push the limits of advanced engineering to breathe energy of the future into cars of the past.

Today Louise speaks with renowned author, Justine Picardie. Justine Picardie has enjoyed the most illustrious writing career at the Sunday Times and British Vogue before becoming editor of the Observer Magazine and Editor in Chief of Harper's Bazaar and Town and Country. Justine discusses her newest book, Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture which focuses on the extraordinary life of Catherine Dior, the sister of Christian Dior – an unsung heroine and sharing a story that has never been told.

In todays podcast, we talk to Tonya Kidd-Beggs, founder of STORIES Parfums. Inspired by the memories that have shaped her life. Tonya tells her fascinating story today involving a transformative trip to the heart of perfume making in France which unlocked the power that fragrance has to heal her personal tragedy and inspire happiness and this incredible brand.

In this week's episode we welcome back Jamie Genevieve to the Brown Thomas podcast to chat through the incredible success of new brand VIEVE which has launched in Brown Thomas Dundrum and online. Jamie gives us insight into the pillars that make her brand what it is today and we find out the number one VIEVE product you need in your beauty bag. 

In today's episode Louise speaks with Emily Rea, Co-Founder of The Restory, an aftercare company that restores luxury handbags, shoes and clothes. The Restory combines art, craft and the power of technology to make sure cherished items can last forever.

Spencer Matthews, Founder and CEO of CleanCo Podcast supremo, entrepreneur and television personality, Spencer Matthews, joins Louise Duffy to discuss family life, career trajectory, his very important ties to Ireland and what led to the creation of his new brand CleanCo.

In today's podcast, we speak with Dr. Yannis and Eva Alexandrides, founders of one of the world's fastest-growing global skincare brands 111SKIN. Yannis, a globally renowned cosmetic surgeon along with his wife Eva share how their brand grew from a formulation initially designed to speed up the healing process of patients at his Harley Street clinic, to become a range using the most advanced methods and ingredients for the highest level of efficacy. Lauded by celebrities and skin fanatics across the globe. 

In today's podcast we speak with Dr. Helena McMahon, co-founder of Ireland's most exciting new skincare and supplement brand, Seabody. The team at Seabody have developed bespoke skincare formulations with biomolecules and bioactives harnessed from ocean plants from the Irish Atlantic coastline. Helena talks about the health and skincare benefits of seaweed and Seabody and her background in science and research led to this incredible new brand.

In today's podcast we speak with model, fashion designer and beauty fanatic Chloe Lloyd in partnership with Bobbi Brown. Chloe has graced the pages of Vogue and Elle and her approach to fashion, beauty and interiors has garnered her almost 400k followers on Instagram. She's recently teamed up with Bobbi Brown and joins us to speak about her favourite products, what life is like at the moment and plans for the future. 

In this episode of Brown Thomas Podcast Louise chats to British Vogue Deputy Editor and Fashion Features Director, Sarah Harris. Sarah talks about her role at the iconic magazine and how they adapted throughout the pandemic, her minimalist aesthetic and her visit to Brown Thomas to celebrate the newly refreshed Accessories Hall.

In this episode of Brown Thomas Podcast Louise chats to fashion and beauty influencer Victoria Magrath, creator of @inthefrow and UK ambassador for Bvlgari. Victoria talks about her role and love for this luxury jewellery and accessories brand which has popped up at Brown Thomas Dublin for the Christmas period.

Brown Thomas presents the Art of Beauty - a series exploring the relationship between art, fashion and beauty. In this episode we've taken highlights from the series which speaks to Irish actress Olwen Fouéré, Irish model & artist Clara MacSweeney, Irish Singer Loah and Irish model & actress Liath Hannon about what beauty means to them and how it plays a role in their craft.

Following the release of series two of the 'How To Lead A Sustainable Business' podcast with Selfridges Group Chairman, Alannah Weston, Louise Duffy speaks to Alannah about her mission to discover how businesses can innovate and transform to put sustainability at their core. Alannah sets the direction for her leadership team in creating a sustainable future for retail. Her goal is to empower talented people to deliver extraordinary customer experience within human and planetary boundaries.

Melissa Snover is an award-winning entrepreneur, registered nutritionist, and self-confessed health fanatic. In this episode, we hear how Melissa first came up with the concept of Nourished when travelling back in 2018. She discusses the importance of tailor-made nutrition, how our vitamin and supplement intake should be personalised and how she developed the Nourished 3D printer of which the output is the first of its kind in terms of 3D food and printing. She also provides insight into the characteristics that she feels makes true entrepreneurs from her experience and career to-date.  

Now in its eleventh year, Brown Thomas will launch CREATE Push for Progress, the annual showcase celebrating and supporting the future of the country's most compelling Irish design talent. CREATE champions a roster of innovative, imaginative and emerging design talents to gain vital commercial retail experience. For this episode of the Brown Thomas podcast, we are focusing on three talented designers across ready to wear, art and sculpture who are pushing for the progression of sustainable Irish design whilst showcasing their work amongst the world's most luxurious labels at the iconic Grafton Street store

In this episode Louise chats to Magali Pascal, founder and creative director behind Parisian namesake label Magali Pascal. Magali discusses how her passion for design brought her to Bali and how the minute she set foot on the heavenly island she knew she would never leave. Fast forward nearly 20 years later, her brand, recognized for its Parisian sensibilities and built-in Bali vibes, is now an international powerhouse.

This week we speak with Roxie Nafousi, an emotional health adviser, manifestor and writer. Roxie tells us how manifesting changed her life three years ago and how she is now developing the lives of others through her self-love and motivational workshops.  Roxie has a particular adoration for self-care, she talks us through her morning skincare routine, her favourite products from Clinique and how she uses this time as a form of meditation.

In today’s podcast Louise speaks to one of the world’s most renowned fashion accessory designers, Anya Hindmarch. An environmentalist with philanthropy at the core of many of her campaigns Anya is famous for her creativity and craftsmanship when it comes to designing and producing her beautiful bags. Anya talks about publishing her new book, launching an ambitious new project in London and the story behind her latest collection ‘I Am A Plastic Bag’.

This week Louise chats to Founder, CEO and product formulator Sarah Chapman. When forming her brand, Sarah merged two areas of skincare - results driven ingredients and the feel-good factor that comes with luxurious beauty products. Sarah covers all things skincare from the long-term effects of sun damage to the importance of treating your skin's current condition. We learn about the benefits of facial massage and Sarah’s top tips when prepping the skin for a big life event such as a wedding. Sarah also takes us through the three most important skincare steps - cleanse, treat and protect. 

This week, we speak to expert perfumer and founder of luxury brand La Bougie, Lucy Hagerty. Lucy discusses starting her business, the intricate process of creating scents, her previous career as a chef to the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson and how her foodie background eventually led her to a new career in creating beautiful artisan products adored by candle connoisseurs and perfume lovers. Created entirely in her Perfumery in Kinsale, West Cork, Lucy talks us through the power of scent to evoke memories, provides insights into the process of creating bespoke fragrances and her latest endeavour combining the alchemy of aromatherapy and turning it into exquisite fragrances.

Brown Thomas places sustainability at the heart of everything we do; how we work, what we buy and sell. We see it as ‘Doing the Right thing’ which is one of our core business values. With a vision to reinvent retail, existing to imagine and strive for a sustainable future for their people, customers and communities. Our aim is to manage environmental footprint, responsibly source products and support people and communities. For this episode of the Brown Thomas podcast, in light of World Earth Day we are focusing on the founders and creators of brands within the business who are taking action and leading the way through their sustainable efforts.  Join us as we learn how they are committed to creating a positive change.   

This week Louise is joined by Camille Perry and Holly Wright of TOVE, a new and exciting label to Brown Thomas. TOVE can be described as a minimalist meets romantic brand which over the last two years has gained a cult following thanks to easy to wear designs and simple pieces with quality, longevity and practicality in mind. Listen to how Camille and Holly joined forces to create their passion project.

In today’s episode, Louise speaks to Georgiana Huddart, Creative Director and Designer at Hunza G. Georgiana discusses her background in fashion & interior design whilst sharing her love for the heritage crinkle fabric that she wore throughout her youth and also by Julia Roberts who debuted the iconic blue and white “Hunza dress” in Pretty Woman. We learn about the brand’s humble beginnings on Instagram and the one size fit stance which represents their effort to remain an inclusive brand made by women for women, whilst also lessening the chance of over-purchased sizing on a commercial level.

This week Louise is joined by Amanda Harrington, founder of luxury tanning brand Amanda Harrington London. Amanda tells Louise how her love for classical art and her passion for body painting led her on a very special journey. After a body painting course in Australia, a degree in makeup artistry and the death of her Father due to skin cancer, Amanda wanted to hone her craft and educate people on the dangers of sun damage while offering an alternative. This led her to the development of Amanda Harrington London. Amanda shares with us her incredible tanning tips and tricks and gives us a glimpse into the glamorous world of Hollywood, from blockbuster films to rock and roll band tours.

In this episode Louise talks to Geza Schoen, founder of minimalist fragrance brand Escentric Molecule. Geza talks to Louise about how it all began with a secret passion for fragrance which he developed at the age of 13 when he began collecting different fragrance samples. During the podcast, we learn about Iso E Super, a very special molecule that Geza recognised as a common link between fragrances he loved that were already on the market. From here, Geza began experimenting with Iso E Super in unheard of proportions which led to the launch of Escentric Molecules in 2006. Geza and Louise talk about how fragrance has the ability to trigger a beautiful memory from the past and how each individual has their own olfactory fingerprint. Geza also talks about three new additions to Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01 + Mandarin, Molecule 01 + Iris and Molecule 01 + Patchouli. 

In today’s episode, Louise speaks with Jemma Cassidy, Chief Product Officer of Sweaty Betty.Jemma discusses what the role of Chief Product Officer entails, and her journey to get there with stints in Topshop and Dunnes Stores along the way.We learn about the brand’s mission statement to empower women through fitness and beyond, working with a female founder, female CEO, female CPO and female design team.Jemma discusses the incredible success and growth of Sweaty Betty throughout the last year, and how they are just scratching the surface of activewear. Stay tuned for lots of exciting launches and collaborations on the horizon!

This week we speak with Hayley Menzies, who takes us through the wonderful journey of her eponymous brand. Hayley Menzies' fashion training began in the London College of Fashion where she studied design and styling. Her career took a meandering route through London’s wild rave scene to running a nightlife business, via yoga training in Thailand. It was in these years as a rock n’ rolling stone that Hayley’s unique aesthetic took shape.In 2011, Hayley Menzies set up a stall in Portobello Market and from there the brand has grown from strength to strength. Just launched with Brown Thomas this season, the brand specializes in creating knitwear and lasting treasures made for life’s maximalist souls.  

In today’s episode we are celebrating International Women’s Day with a very special guest, Anne Pitcher.Anne is MD of the Selfridges Group, a collection of 5 iconic global brands - Selfridges in the UK,Holt Renfrew in Canada, di Bijenkorf in the Netherlands, and Brown Thomas and Arnotts in Ireland.Anne is renowned for her cutting edge & experiential retail strategies over the years and in 2020 Anne was awarded the coveted Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to retail.Anne discusses females in industry, her rise from ‘shop girl’ to where she is today, and how the Selfridges Group plan to reinvent retail through sustainability, creative vision and relentless innovation.

This week we speak to the founder of Ground, Peigín Crowley. Ground Wellbeing is a collection of natural aromatherapy oils and balms with interwoven wellness rituals to encourage mindful selfcare. Having spent over 20 years in the world of Spa and Wellness, Peigín has helped her clients create award-winning spas. During 2020, after a very simple realisation that we need to slow down and mind ourselves more, Peigín launched her own wellbeing brand with natural aromatherapy balms and oils for the face and body, which help to bring focus, ritual and intention into our daily lives. Peigín discusses starting her own brand whilst navigating the pandemic and how we can create mindful selfcare for ourselves and our families.

We speak with muse, model and fashion designer Harris Reed. Harris talks about growing up with an early love of fashion, having a supportive Mother who encouraged experimentation with gender fluidity, and the new M·A·C collection that celebrates freedom and self-expression. Working with a number of high profile clients, Harris talks about having Harry Styles as a client as well as working with Sam Smith and Florence Welch. We find out which lucky celebrity is next on Harris’ wish list to dress and we hear about the most recent celebrity customer to shop the collection – Miley Cyrus. Harris describes the process of creating makeup to truly represent who you are and explains the way in which the Fluid Beauty Collection from M.A.C is creating a moment in history.

This week Louise is joined by John Molloy, co-founder of Memo Paris. John talks to Louise about his Irish heritage, building a family brand from scratch with wife Clara and what the future looks like for Memo Paris. John talks about how beauty is at the core of the brand, with memory as the driving force. We learn about the art of fragrance and the way in which it can offer us a welcome escape, transporting us to exotic locations from Paris to Brazil.  We also learn about the importance of sustainability in the industry and how investment in rich, high quality ingredients is key. 

In today’s episode we speak to Sean Barron, Co-Founder of cult brand RE/DONE. RE/DONE was born online in 2014, with their first batch of jeans selling out within 12 minutes and from there the brand has grown from strength to strength. Sean discusses how RE/DONE is more than a luxury label, RE/DONE is a movement to restore individuality to the luxury fashion space, to keep heritage brands relevant and to create sustainable fashion.

In this episode we speak to journalist, broadcaster and author Sali Hughes. As the only girl in a household full of boys, Sali fell in love with beauty and luxury skincare from an early age. During the podcast, Sali reminisces on how her love for beauty began with her first Clinique lipstick given to her by her brother. We get an insight into how Sali goes about testing and trailing different products, what her skincare regime looks like and the skincare ingredients she can’t live without. Sali also talks about how she protects her integrity in the world of social media through trust and transparency. 

This week we talk to CHANEL ambassador and makeup artist Zoe Taylor. Louise talks to Zoe about her amazing life as a CHANEL ambassador, how she got into the world of beauty and her journey so far. Zoe shares with us her insight on how the world of beauty is changing, the essential beauty ingredients she needs as part of her daily routine and the importance of clean beauty and traceability. We also hear some of Zoe's pro makeup and skincare tips and her advice to those who want to break into the industry.

This week Louise is joined by Kilian Hennessey, the man behind luxury fragrance brand Kilian Paris. Heir to a long line of cognac makers who were pioneers in luxury, Kilian decided to take up the torch of family tradition. Kilian talks about his Irish heritage and what attracted him into the world of fragrance as we delve into themes such as the language of scent, storytelling through fragrance and the way in which perfume can provoke emotion. We also get an insight into Kilian’s inspiration for some of his iconic scents, including Love, don’t be shy, Angels’ Share and Good Girl Gone Bad.  

In today’s episode we speak to Asya Varetsa Co-founder of Sleeper, the world’s first walking sleepwear label. Sleeper debuted in AW14 & was highly regarded by then editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani who named Sleeper as the brand of the month. In 2019 co-founders Asya and Kate were recognized on the prestigious Forbes 30 under 30 list. Sleeper has continued to grow from strength to strength with an ever growing loyal celebrity fan base including Dakota Fanning, Emily Ratajkowski and Leandra Medine.

This week we speak with Roksanda, one of the most recognisable fashion designers in London and key supporter of M·A·C and Viva Glam. Roksanda speaks of the incredible fundraising efforts of Viva Glam, raising over €4m for Irish organisations since 2007. We also gain an insight into the process of creating a beauty look to match a collection for runway shows and life as a designer in 2020.