HAVE YOU HEARD?

Off the Hanger: Taking a deep dive into fashion

Published on June 20, 2024

Have You Heard? is where the Pod Bible team meet the people behind the podcasts you may not have heard, but we think you should have. Off the Hanger is a weekly fashion podcast hosted by fashion stylist and presenter Emma Lightbown. We caught up with Emma to learn more about the podcast…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Emma Lightbown, a fashion stylist, podcaster, and presenter. Off the Hanger is the fashion podcast where we chat to guests about their favourite wardrobe pieces and the amazing stories behind them. The guests are a fabulous, diverse mix of people from familiar faces to industry experts, fashion fanatics, and those with a unique sense of style.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

Sh**ged, Married, Annoyed – I love the very honest look at married life and the ridiculous / gross / hilarious stories that people send in. I learnt very quickly that it was one to listen to in the car not on public transport as you get some funny looks when you’re hysterically laughing at something no one else can hear!

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Off the Hanger combines two of my favourite things – fashion and being nosey! I love chatting to the guests about the deeper meaning behind their clothes, why they choose what they wear, and how fashion impacts their everyday – it’s a way of showcasing that fashion is way more than just the superficial.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I loved the format of Films To Be Buried With – so took inspiration from that when creating my own format. Although we wander off topic I really enjoy having the same set of questions that I cover with every guest. Fearne Cotton and Elizabeth Day are both incredibly inspirational. I love their interview style – it’s warm, friendly, and never invasive even though they cover some very personal topics with guests.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

Iris Apfel was always my dream guest up until her passing earlier this year. She had such a wonderful and unique sense of style – breaking down the stereotypes of what you can and can’t wear past a certain age. She was always truly authentic in her outfit choices and I would have loved to have known her answers to the Off the Hanger questions.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

My chat with artist and print designer Jess Williams (“Top Fashion Tips From Artist & Print Designer Jess Williams”). We cover so much in this episode – trying to get over the diet culture hangover, Jess’s beautiful work, how she feels about wearing her own designs, and her childhood love of fancy dress. She shares her most embarrassing fashion moment, her most sentimental wardrobe piece, and the dream style treasure she’s lusting after.