Orla Kiely is one of those designers that gets everywhere and so does her famous leaf motif . You could eat your breakfast with Orla Kiely kitchenware, write in your Orla Kiely notebook (with your Orla Kiely pen), pop on your Orla Kiely dress in your Orla Kiely wallpapered bed room and then jump into your Orla Kiely car, and all before 9am. And while KF (Kiely Fatigue) has set in according to some observers, for others the Dubliner can do no wrong.
Kiely started her career as a milliner, in fact Harrods purchased her exit show hats on completion of her Master's at the Royal College of Art in London. Soon after however, she moved onto handbags. It was the early 1990s and Kiely had the idea of using laminated fabric to cover her bags. No one up until that point had realised the potential of the functional fabric, and so a brand was born.
It's the handbags that are the stars of her constantly expanding range. Her new AW14 'Etc' range features the signature print in autumnal shades of navy and khaki, punctuated with trims of orange and hot pink - shades that will nicely compliment the colours of the upcoming AW14 season.
The Etc range sees the return of the quintessential Classic Shoulder Bag and the Midi Sling Bag. New additions to the range include the Messenger Bag,and the oversized Zip Holdall both with adjustable straps, honouring the functionality women have come to expect from the designer. The Backpack and Travel Pouch are interesting and youthful additions for the designer. These pieces could come in useful for the trend setting traveller or even the festival goer who wants to add a little chic to their soon to be muddy outfit of choice.
(L-R) Orla Kiely Messenger Bag Navy, €139. Orla Kiely Backpack, €159. Orla Kiely Midi Sling Bag, €149. All at Kilkenny Shop.
