EDITOR’S LETTER
I’m writing this – as I’m sure you’re reading it – from the comfort of my own home. The long lead time on a monthly magazine means we’re currently several weeks into self-isolation, yet I have no idea quite what the world will look like at the time you’re reading this issue. Most of it was conceived and commissioned long before Covid-19 irrevocably transformed our lives.
I’m so grateful that our brilliant features director Natasha Lunn had the foresight to ask author Roopa Farooki to write about her experiences as an NHS doctor, on page 40. Her raw and powerful piece just confirms everything we know about the amazing people working in our National Health Service: how long their days are, how impossible their challenges and how incredibly privileged we are to have them.
We have other equally pertinent reads, with psychologist Dr Pippa Grange explaining how we can turn down the volume on our fear on page 156, and Dr Michael Mosley sharing his tips to aid a better night’s sleep on page 148. But because I truly believe – and many of you have graciously told me – Red brings some much-needed escapism among all this uncertainty, we have lots of lovely things to inspire you, too. Delicious brunch ideas on page 104, Wes Anderson-esque decor on page 114, no-nonsense beauty wisdom from Caroline Hirons on page 90, some dreamy swimwear on page 74 and slightly-more-realistic-for-now loungewear on page 22. We were also lucky enough to shoot our cover star Penélope Cruz in Madrid before the travel ban was imposed – turn to page 26 for Rosie Green’s interview.
While none of us truly knows what the months ahead hold, I promise Red will continue to bring creativity, compassion and, hopefully, some joy to you, our lovely readers.
Stay safe.