In this conversation, I’m joined by  fashion author, researcher and communication expert Dijanna Mulhearn to explore the hidden language of clothing and the evolving role of fashion as a form of personal branding. Together, we unpack how social media has reshaped our understanding of style, why corporate dressing has splintered into new tribes post pandemic, and how celebrity culture continues to direct the global wardrobe.

Dijanna brings her signature clarity to the psychology of fashion, the ethics of consumption, and the way clothing communicates power, intention and identity. This is a conversation about authenticity, individuality and the quiet authority of dressing with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Fashion is not decoration. It is a communication system that signals identity, values and intention.
• Corporate dressing has changed, but the fundamentals of clarity and authority still matter.
• Social media has blurred the lines between inspiration and imitation.
• What we choose to wear contributes to our personal brand every day.
• Clothing shapes confidence and behaviour.
• Celebrity influence remains one of fashion’s strongest currency drivers.
• Sustainability is no longer optional. It is part of responsible consumption.
• A strong personal style comes from self knowledge, not trends.
• Understanding the historical context of fashion gives depth and perspective.
• The most powerful fashion message is authenticity.

Chapters:

00:00 Fashion as a personal branding universe
01:57 The new rules of corporate style
07:54 Navigating fashion in midlife
11:44 Celebrity influence and the global wardrobe
14:28 How clothing communicates authority and identity
18:20 Building a wardrobe that works
22:36 Archetypes and fashion behaviour
28:05 How luxury is changing
32:04 The ethics and psychology of consumption
35:50 Dressing with intention
38:22 Final reflections on authenticity and personal power

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/h_oZEgo9wdY