EXCLUSIVE: Fashion designer Dawn O'Porter opens up on becoming a mother for the first time


February 13, 2015

It's been a busy few weeks for Dawn O'Porter, as the TV presenter and fashion designer recently gave birth to her first child - a baby boy named Art. Dawn and her husband Chris O'Dowd, welcomed the little one at the beginning of February, sharing the news over Twitter, with Chris writing alongside the snap: "It's a boy! @hotpatooties & I would like to introduce Art O'Porter, our gorgeous baby. Well, I'm pretty sure he's ours."

Speaking exclusively to HELLO! Online, Dawn, a fashion icon for many, revealed that being a mummy for the first time is "wonderful".

"I really love him. I was very ready to be a mum, so was ready for the challenge. And he’s healthy and cute so I’m very grateful for that", she added.

The 36-year-old, who has hosted her own TV show (This Old Thing on Channel4), is also a full-time writer, releasing her first book in 2013. Asked if she is planning to scale back on her work commitments now, Dawn replied: "Quite the opposite! I just launched a business and have a big novel to write.

"Art or no Art, 2015 was already going to be the busiest year of my life. I’m not sure how I’ll make it all work yet but I’m feeling like a warrior and I’m prepared to work hard." Dawn confidently reveals.

As well as writing a follow up to her first book Diaries of an Internet Lover, Dawn has also recently launched her own vintage fashion line.

"I love the charm of fashion from the past, I love how the clothes were revolutionary and how they changed the way that women lived their lives. So my love of vintage is about clinging onto that. And the designers were heroes, literally designing clothes that changed the world. I love the artists as much as the art."

Is there a fashion icon who Dawn looks up to? "I struggle with this question, I’m not sure I have one.

"I obsessively look at images of iconic models (Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Peggy Moffitt and many more) from the '60s and '70s for my inspiration. My icons are really the designers and what they created. I love Mary Quant, Andre Courreges and Pierre Cardin."

Dawn and Chris married in 2012 after meeting through mutual friends at the brunette beauty's 30th birthday party in Los Angeles in 2009. Dawn called the wedding "a three day love fest", and wore a vintage wedding dress.

We asked if there is any chance that we may see Dawn wearing the dress again, a la Keira Knightley, and she admits that it's waiting for the day that she "might fit into it again".

It would only be for a special occasion though: "I like the idea of wearing it if Chris ever gets a big award nomination."

With no sign of 2015 slowing down for Dawn, talk turns to Dawn's latest collaboration - working with the Samsung Galaxy A Series.

"To celebrate the launch of the Galaxy A Series in the run up to Valentine’s Day, Samsung has developed some research which takes a look into couples and their phones and how much, as a nation we’re willing to share info with our partners (or not)", Dawn reveals, before adding: "Samsung asked me if I wanted to be involved and as I LOVE being nosy about relationships I agreed!"

"Apparently only a third of us know our partners phone PIN, so the majority of people keep it secret. I find that really surprising, I think if my husband's PIN was secret I’d be so suspicious of what he was hiding.

"That said, in a rather heart-warming find in the run up to Valentine’s this Saturday, just under 60% of us say that sharing a phone PIN is a modern day indicator of true love, which is quite sweet."

Dawn was born in Scotland but grew up in Guernsey, and husband Chris is one of Ireland's most popular actors, so is it hard living in Los Angeles? "London is home no matter where I live", Dawn admits.

"LA is so awesome though. The sun is always shining, the food is delicious. Also loads of friends have recently moved here so I don't feel a million miles away from home."

With a fashion line, a new book, and a new-born baby to look after, 2015 is certainly shaping up to be one of Dawn's best, and busiest, years. "My fashion line BOB is so exciting. I have a really fun range of summer dresses coming out in April and I have loads of gorgeous vintage stock.

"I also have my first adult fiction novel to write and I have a baby. Three really brilliant projects that I am very excited about. The three B’s BOB, book, baby!"

Dawn is working with the Samsung to launch its Galaxy A Series smartphone, which is out this week. For further info on the Samsung Galaxy A Series just visit: www.samsung.com/uk/

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