9.06.18 IN THIS ISSUE

I’m a big fan of simple ideas – often they’re the most effective. Over the past 20 years, Orla Kiely has developed a vast range of bags, clothes, homewares, stationery, wallpaper and even bikes – all of which, well, stemmed from a very basic design. That original stem has evolved since its first incarnation and has been joined by, among others, daisies, acorns, painted ladies and turtle motifs. Her iconic prints can be seen on many a fashion-savvy arm and it’s wonderful to see such success for an Irish designer. A new exhibition in London, A Life in Pattern, pays homage to the incredible collection of work she has contributed to. Despite her global success, Orla remains very grounded and true to her Irish roots – on page 32, she tells our fashion editor Grace Cahill about her trips back to Dublin with her equally Irish husband. Hopefully once the exhibition finishes in London, someone on this side of the water will try to bring it home so we can all wallow in the expertise of one of the country’s finest exports. On page 26 we meet another power couple – Giovanna and Tom Fletcher. With 3.5million social media followers they have curated a massive audience via their honest parenting vlogs and, now, a new co-written novel. They tell us about how putting so much of their lives online has bizarrely given them more privacy as they can control their output. Giovanna is endearingly honest about how Tom’s boyband career with McFly put a lot of pressure on their relationship as well as how she struggled after childbirth, while he opens up about his own battle with depression. It’s a wonderful read and we wish them all the best with their latest venture.

PUTTING THEIR LIVES ONLINE HAS BIZARRELY GIVEN THEM MORE PRIVACY”