Orla Kiely 'A Life in Pattern' Exhibition

Over the summer I visited the Orla Kiely retrospective at the Fashion and textiles museum in London. I have long been a fan of Orla Kiely’s style so was really keen to see an overview of her work and immerse myself in her bold and cheerful designs.

One of the opening dispays in the exhibition, detailing Orla Kiely's processes and inspiration.

The exhibition charts her journey from her childhood in Ireland, through her education and early career, right up to the present day and huge global success of her eponymous brand. The exhibition begins with a video of an interview with Kiely, discussing various aspects of her ‘Life in Pattern’ (the title of the exhibition). Alongside this are newspaper articles, some of her university sketchbooks and a model of her desk with imagery and materials used for designing. It feels at once like you have walked into her world, which I loved. Sometimes the prints can seem quite over the top, but seeing them all together, they work in harmony with one another, and it is an invigorating, rather than overpowering space.

The exhibition continues with displays of products from all her collections and collaborations. In one room, massive replicas of some of her most iconic fashion garments are suspended from the ceiling giving the sense that you are a tiny figure in an Orla Kiely doll’s house.

The enormous reproductions of some of Orla Kiely's fashion designs.

Evident throughout the exhibition is Orla Kiely’s fastidious attention to detail, and how meticulously she oversees every aspect of production, refining designs and garments until she is satisfied. I admire designers who are involved in all parts of their company, ensuring that each part of the process is completed to the highest of standards.

What I loved the most about the exhibition was a whole wall displaying bags from every collection side-by-side. I thought it was fascinating to see the development of the brand identity, especially as it has progressed from practical, everyday but fun designs to a distinctly more high-end luxury fashion approach.

The display of many of Kiely's bag designs over the course of the brand's history.

Sometimes, I find that the retro style that Orla Kiely embodies can look dated and fussy. However, what this exhibition highlighted was the fundamental elements of fun and joy which clearly go into every aspect of the design process. I believe this is what makes Orla Kiely so successful and ensures that they stay up to date, whilst referencing the graphic 50s and 60s style which they reinvigorate for a modern consumer.

I left the exhibition feeling excited about print and pattern, raring to get back to my own design work. Most of all though, I felt happy and uplifted, and I believe that is what is crucial to enduring design.