Orla Kiely
The veteran designer chats to Chloe Brennan about her favourite people, places and things
“Having my own children made me appreciate my mother so much”
The person
My mother — having my own children makes me appreciate her so much, especially as they grow older.
The memory
All dashing to Brittas Bay at the glimpse of sunshine!
The moment of the day
Morning, I love it when the light comes into my bedroom. New day, new ideas.
The song
Les Fleur, Minnie Riperton — it’s so dreamy, beautiful and very 1970s.
The movie
Les Choristes, it was an unexpected joy and if you haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend it.
The book
Educated, by Tara Westover. A story of how a young girl designed her own destiny, from a very unorthodox upbringing to a Masters at Cambridge.
The hero
Jacinda Ardern, and her clear leadership.
The outfit
Dresses layered over roll-necks. It’s my uniform.
The accessory
The handbag. Of course!
The gadget
I don’t think I could live without an iPhone. I have actually purchased a strap necklace case by Knok Design, so I don’t ever lose it!
The friend
At risk of offending anyone — my beautiful friend on four legs, Olive.
The beauty product
Nars Heat Wave lipstick — it’s just been discontinued, so I have just bought four online, as they are getting hard to find!
The pet hate
My sons not loading or unloading the dishwasher.
The holiday
Earlier this year, I was so fortunate to have travelled to Thailand for a collaboration with Thai retailers Jaspal. I manged to stay an additional two weeks, travelling to the north of Thailand and experiencing the history and culture. It was so inspiring.
The advice
Trust your instincts.
The hotel
In Thailand, we stayed in the most wonderfully relaxing hotel called Rachamankha in Chiang Mai. I would love to go back.
The drink
Coffee and, on special occasions, an Irish coffee.
The bar
Langton’s bar in Kilkenny, designed by David Collins, I was there during an arts festival and loved it.
The hobby
Pottery, I have a love of homeware, ceramics and vintage pottery and am signing up to learn how to throw properly.
The part of my body
Eyes — everything I do is visual.
The celebrity
Michelle Obama, such grace, integrity and inner beauty — a true shining light in this modern world.
The virtue
Honesty — I am a very bad liar!
The vice
Too much coffee.
The smell
Freshly cut rosemary.
The taste
Anything Ottolenghi.