The Loves of my LIFE
The Irish fashion designer chats to Chloe Brennan about her favourite people, places and things
Fashion designer Emma Manley
“Watching ‘The Snowman’ brings me right back to Christmas at the Manleys” “My favourite smell is petrol! I grew to love it growing up around Mondello race track”
The person
Eoin O Suilleabhain, my patient, loving and supportive husband. I never knew real love until he came into my life, and it’s changed everything.
The memory
The day Eoin proposed to me. I had no idea it was coming, and, honestly, I was shocked he liked me so much that he wanted to marry me!
The moment of the day
I’m one of those annoying morning people. I love hearing my alarm clock and bouncing out of bed. A gym session or a big walk is how I choose to start my day.
The song
Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells. It was played at the first of many gigs Eoin took me to — also the night of our first smooch.
The movie
The Snowman. Watching it brings me right back to Christmas at the Manleys — I can smell the mulled wine; the marshmallows roasting on the fire.
The book
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan. I couldn’t put it down.
The person
My mum, Shelagh. She’s an incredible human being. If I can be half the mum she is, I’ll be very proud of myself.
The outfit
Anything from my label, Manley. It’s my uniform; it’s what I feel most comfortable and confident in.
The accessory
My engagement ring. I was fairly allergic to the idea of the sameness of one ring on that finger forever — it seemed a bit dull and boring, but now I adore it. I haven’t taken it off, in fact!
The gadget
[Virtual assistant] Alexa! Mostly because if you ask her what’s going on in the Manley studio, she’ll give you a read-out of what we were doing that day. It’s Eoin’s handiwork, I can’t take credit for it!
The part of my body
Right now, it’s my newly-acquired bump. I adore it.
The bar
Creedons Top of Coom, Eoin’s local at home in Cuil Aodha, Cork. It’s where I have consumed many hot whiskeys. And long walks in the mountains. The air, the tranquility, the views... perfection.
The drink
Water, a minimum of two litres a day... then wine, to undo the goodness.
The holiday
Sri Lanka, four years ago with Eoin. Our very first holiday abroad. It was perfect.
The hotel
The Armada hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare. A beautiful, relaxing space in a beautiful part of the world.
The friend
My best friend, Jenny. Our friendship began with us wearing matching tennis outfits as we played doubles together in Castleknock Tennis Club. We no longer dress in matching outfits — we dress nothing alike; actually, we are nothing alike — but that’s what makes a friendship so great. She’s my rock.
The beauty product
My new tongue scraper. Dirty tongues creep me out. This gadget keeps my tongue nice and pink.
The pet hate
Bad table manners.
The piece of advice
It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. Life is tough, let’s not make it any tougher on each other.
The hobby
Hanging with my nieces and nephews. They make me laugh non-stop, and make everything OK.
The vice
Wine. That’s on hold for a while, though!
The smell
Petrol. I love being in petrol stations and filling up the car. I grew to love it growing up around Mondello racetrack when my dad was racing cars. My wedding scent even had petrol in it. It’s a nostalgic smell for me.
The taste
Anything that Bastible [a restaurant in Dublin 8] serves on a plate.
Bloss is a winter capsule event at Dundrum Town Centre, showcasing 30 Irish designers. The unique design pop-up shop runs until January 7 at the Pembroke District, Dundrum Town Centre manley.ie @emmakatemanley