In conversation with Orla 🧡

To celebrate Orla's 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.

Read the conversation below and enjoy 20% off sitewide* while you shop the celebration!

* Ends 9am Tuesday 26th May, BST. Offer only valid on full-price items. T&Cs apply. Offer auto applies at checkout.

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. It was cute!

Where did your love of 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.

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.”