Orla Kiely

The designer who won at interiors but lost at fashion

I found yesterday’s announcement especially sad, because I grew up with the brand. It defined my early thirties, or more specifically, the moment I became a mum, with the birth of my first child in 2000. At that time Kiely’s bags were the totes to tote – cheaper than designer rivals (Mulberry et al) – and I proudly spent my maternity leave swinging a red and white number around London’s nappy valley.

I knew her as the queen of prints; a little bit retro, yet still streamlined and minimalist for the time. Her motifs were instantly recognisable – especially that signature oversized stem print – and although her vintage-y style echoed what many other boutique brands were also doing, Kiely was so much cooler than Cath Kidston, a fact that came in handy later, in the playground.

Kiely later diversified into bed linen and then cookware, radios and stationery. I actually have a duvet cover and a couple of cushions in the sitting room.

I am relieved that her patterns will live on in homeware, but sorry that the clothing line is closing. The label holds so many memories and I still have a skirt and two bags in the loft. Yesterday I briefly considered dusting them off and popping them on ebay. But then I remembered they’re stained with carrot purée, which made me sad all over again.