Orla Kiely Biography

Orla Kiely's Biography

about us

Orla Kiely is a fashion company dedicated to the creation of own brand products which are sold throughout the world. They also carry out consultancy services.

HISTORY

1993
Orla Kiely is commissioned by Harrods to produce a range of hats, following on from her finale spot at the graduation catwalk. The Orla Kiely label is born.

This was followed by a collection of soft accessories which sold well. In the following years a comprehensive collection of bags was developed and the customer list expanded to include key London stores.

1994
The Orla Kiely partnership is formed, with Dermott Rowan as second partner. Orla shows for the first time as part of London Fashion Week and secures her first order from Japan.

Orla Kiely appoints The Communication Store in Savile Row London to look after the PR strategy for the brand.

1995
Orla is appointed as a consultant to the Marks and Spencer design team. A position she resigned in 1998 to allow the launch of her first diffusion range for Debenhams.

The first Orla Kiely diffusion range Orla Kiely for Debenhams is introduced. This range was to expand into one of their most successful ranges, rising to sales of over 500 units per week.

1998
The Orla Kiely range is shown for the first time at Premiere Classe as part of Paris Fashion Week. The international customer list is expanded to include Le Bon Marché Paris, Isetan Japan, Saks Fifth Ave USA, Lane Crawford Hong Kong and Brown Thomas Ireland.

1999
The new design studio is opened in Battersea London.

2000
The company's legal status is changed to Kiely Rowan Ltd. Dermott Rowan is appointed managing director. A comprehensive IT, operations and customer care strategy is introduced. Customer list increases to over 300 select shops worldwide.

Far East production and quality control team is established.

2001
The collection is now shown by Palladio Associates in their central London showroom.

The central warehouse and distribution operation are established.

Orla wins the UK Fashion Exports Award for accessories.

2002
Orla Kiely and Itochu Corporation establish a relationship for the Japan market.

In cooporation with Itochu Corporation Sympathy Co. Ltd. become the exclusive importer of Orla Kiely goods for the Japan market.

2002 July
Orla Kiely launches her diffusion brand "Orla Kiely etc."

2003 June
First stand alone Orla Kiely shop opened in Korea

2004 May
Orla Kiely signed by Sainsbury's to design their homeware range. She is part of a team including Sir Terence Conran and Orlando Hamilton. The range will be available in over 200 stores in the UK from September.

2004 June
Orla launches her special collection for the Tate.

2004 October
Company's legal status changed from Kiely Rowan Ltd. to Kiely Rowan PLC.

2004 November
A stand alone Orla Kiely Japan company is formed by Itochu Corporation.

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