In conversation with Orla
This week, we're celebrating the woman behind it all - Orla. From the very beginning, Orla has remained at the heart of everything we do, shaping each print, palette, and piece with her unmistakable vision.
This week, we're raising a toast to her to celebrate her birthday. We sat down with the creative mind behind the brand for a special conversation about the essence of Orla Kiely and the story behind some of its most recognisable designs.
What is the essence of the Orla Kiely brand?
In words - colour, pattern, design, quality… I think it’s joyful, playful, uplifting, happy!
What was the first Orla Kiely product ever made?
The first Orla Kiely product was a hat - a wool melton hat. After a while we added bags in the same fabric. Very early days. It was cute!
Where did your love for pattern come from?
It came from my childhood, and my family home - it was full of pattern. And I love that it has got this rhythm, it flows - the repeats, the infinity of it… there’s something very uplifting about it.
Why do you think people connect so emotionally with print and pattern?
Pattern is its own language to be interpreted by how it makes you feel. The intangible sense of happiness and joy we can experience is what it's all about.
The Stem print has become so iconic - did you know when you designed it that it would become such a signature?
I had no idea! We were at a show in Paris, and there was a real buzz around our stand. It was the first time we’d launched Stem, and one of our neighbouring exhibitors said, "That print is strong, it should become your signature.”
