Orla Kiely

Fashion Week may flee back to the warm and comforting arms of its Chelsea motherland next season, but even when the last Champagne cork has popped and the final model has kicked off her heels, there are plenty of design icons living this side of the river to keep south-west London at the forefront of fashion. Here are three of the finest…

ORLA KIELY

Battersea’s Orla Kiely is a leading textile, accessory and knitwear designer. Her bags, wallets and fabrics have been snapped up by the likes of Harrods, Saks Fifth Ave and the more humble Marks and Spencer.

Their unique designs probably explain why they appeal to everyone, from down-to-earth shoppers to the more fashion-conscious among us.

Her big break came when she was spotted by Harrods on the graduation catwalk at the Royal College of Art after completing a masters in knitted textiles.

Harrods commissioned her to produce a range of hats, which was followed by a collection of soft accessories.

The Kiely prints usually have different variations and are used for accessories and clothing.

Her spokesman said: “Orla has created her own style and vision, which is seen around the world as innovative and unique.

“She is a source of direction and trend to her industry and her ideas filter down to the high streets across the world.”

Orla, who studied textiles at Dublin’s National College of Art and Design, now examines for the Royal College of Art and Chelsea College of Art.

She has been appointed to judge the final year students collections for the Graduate Fashion Week Awards. Read More…