EDITOR’S LETTER
I’m such a summer girl that with the first chill of autumn I also feel a sense of melancholy. Yet a few weeks in and, more pertinently, after editing this November issue, I’m suddenly wondering what all my moping was about. I’ve realised that autumn is actually like the sophisticated older sister of summer – more refined, more discerning, more enigmatic. Instead of stripping off layers we’re artfully adding them (our gorgeous cover shoot with Anna Friel, styled by the ever-brilliant Nicola Rose, is the ultimate example of this!), while instead of cramming our diaries, we’re exercising a more elegant restraint.
I’ve been happily reminded about my hopeless devotion to coats thanks to the shopping special on page 20, as well as Oonagh Brennan’s divine coat edit on page 94, which has given me an infinite wishlist (Paul Smith’s sweeping tartan number, pictured above, is right at the top).
As the nights draw in, I’ve realised it’s an excuse not to go out. Instead, it’s given me a chance to claw back time for the things that matter – lovingly laboured-over dinners (like the delicious roasted loin of pork with pear stuffing on page 134) or a lengthy, nurturing skincare routine, inspired by those of our beauty gurus in Before Bed on page 122. I’ve also increased the pile of must-read books on my bedside table (I adored Bill Cunningham’s autobiography, recommended on page 87) and have spent many happy hours poring over the new paint shades on page 147, deciding which will make my home feel cosier and classier (I finally settled on Farrow & Ball’s dusky pink Sulking Room, above centre).
Finally, if there’s no longer sunshine to brighten my mood, at least there’s Greg James, the new host of Radio 1’s breakfast show, whose charm, sensitivity and humour are enough to make anyone smile (as Ellie Austin discovers on page 76). Once again, Red has reminded me that joy can be found in so many places. I hope this issue does the same for you.