Orla Kiely is one of fashion’s most dynamic textile, accessory and knitwear designers. Her distinctive designs appeal to everyone, from down-to-earth shoppers to the harder to please fashion mavens.
Dublin-born British-based Kiely is renowned for her 1960s and 1970s influences as well as her bold use of colors and prints on handbags, clothing and housewares. In 1993, following her finale on the graduation catwalk at the Royal College of Art (where she completed a masters in knitted textiles), Kiely was commissioned by Harrods to produce a range of hats, and the Orla Kiely label was born. Today, her designs can be found on Parisian catwalks, Coterie and The White show in Milan.
She also presents at L.A. fashion week. Kiely was recently invited to attend a British design celebration at Buckingham Palace and was named female Irish designer of the year. While she does create a clothing line and a playful line of textiles, she is most recognized for her handbag collection, which are known for their unique mix of functionality and fashionablity. Kiely’s designs are carried at Harrods, Saks Fifth Avenue and the more humble Marks and Spencer. Orla Kiely designs remain extremely popular in the Far East where her retro prints and more tailored cuts seem to mesh well with eastern modesty as well as their enthusiasm for pop culture.
