As one of the most recognizable and iconic designers of the last few decades, it only seems right that the Fashion and Textiles museum are celebrating the work of Orla Kiely in their latest exhibition “A Life in Pattern”.
Image by Nicole Nodland© OrlaKiely
Since her London Fashion Week debut in 1994, the designer has been recognised for her perfectly repeatable retro patterns and a nostalgic colour pallet. “Growing up in Ireland in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s was intrinsic to my creative DNA.” Inspired by all things mid centaury and with a love for nature, Kiely’s work is charming, uplifting and stylized.
In the Fashion and Textile Museums latest exhibition, visitors are able to see over 150 patterns and products from the Orla Kiely archive and a unique insight into her inspiration and design process. The exhibition explores the power of decoration and the impact pattern can have on our life.
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“Overseeing every single detail within the design process, Orla Kiely is meticulous, motivated, focused and passionate. Prior to production, every aspect matters to her from the first phase of designing to making, mixing colours, creating artwork and sampling.” Fashion and Textile Museum
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“Pattern is not a trend for me, to be taken up one minute and abandoned the next when the winds of fashion change. Pattern is in me. It is my life” OrlaKiely for The Fashion and Textiles Museum
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Kiely’s work spans across home-ware, fashion and accessories and her pattern handwriting lends itself to all 3 product categories. Her designs are translated through print, embroidery, knitwear and woven fabrics with her unique taste of colour carried throughout each product.
Here is a closer look at her work:
Images courtesy of Orla Kiely
Orla Kiely Spring Summer 2017 New York Fashion Week. Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely.
Image 1: Orla KielyAutumn Winter 2017 Campaign. Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely, Image 2: Orla KielyResort 2016 Campaign. Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely
Image 1: L’Orla 2018, Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely, Image 2: Stem Lookbook 2018, Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely
You can see the Life in Pattern exhibition at the Fashion and Textiles Museum until the 23rd September
http://www.ftmlondon.org/ftm-exhibitions/orla-kiely-life-in-pattern/
The Print Affair 