Pattern

The world of Orla Kiely is one where pattern reigns. Immediately recognizable, her unique design language and sure sense of graphic control has seen her label become a hugely successful global brand in the decade since its launch. From her early signature bags, the collection has grown to include a complete women's wear line, accessories, travel and home ware, sold in shops and outlets worldwide. Giving a personal account of what informs her work and inspires her designs, Orla looks at pattern in all its manifestations - the impact of scale and proportion, rhythm and texture and the all-important dimension of color. With her prints applied to a wide range of products, from bags and clothing to decorative objects and soft furnishings, she is in a unique position to comment on all the ways in which pattern can enrich our lives. Illustrated with many examples of Orla's work, along with inspirational images that have shaped her style, the result is both a visual treasury and a thought

Orla Kiely began her career studying at Dublin's National College of Art. She obtained her master's degree from the Royal College of Art in London and has subsequently been a visiting lecturer at the RCA and Chelsea College of Art. She was also an external examiner for the National College of Art and Design in Dublin for two years.

Orla's industry consultancies include designing ceramics and wallpaper for Habitat and sitting on the Dulux Design Council. She has designed three capsule collections for the Tate in conjunction with their summer exhibitions. Orla has won two UK Fashion Export Awards and the UK Fashion Exports Gold Award and was recently honoured with the prestigious title of Visiting Professor of Textiles at the RCA. Orla Kiely is a continuously growing brand that produces a ready-to-wear collection alongside homeware, furnishings, luggage and accessories as well as signature bags. Orla has two stores in Japan and flagship stores in Hong Kong and London. Wholesale USA business is growing rapidly and Europe is currently their largest export market. The company employs 50 staff in the UK with their head office in south London.