Orla Kiely: Irish Designer, Bags & Bedding Guide

Founder: Orla Kiely (born 24 May 1962) ·
Nationality: Irish ·
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom ·
Known for: Retro-inspired patterns on bags, homeware, wallpaper ·
Award: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018 ·
Official website: orlakiely.com

Six key facts summarise the brand’s identity and trajectory.

What happened to Orla Kiely?

The most direct answer: the brand is still very much alive, though its business model has changed. In 2018, the parent company Kiely Rowan PLC ceased trading, but the Orla Kiely brand itself did not disappear. According to Evoke (Irish entertainment news), the business moved into a licensing-led model, shedding its retail stores and focusing on online sales through the official website. The Official Orla Kiely website confirms that the brand continues to sell products across Europe and beyond as of 2025.

What changed was the high-street presence. Once a familiar sight in department stores and its own shops, Orla Kiely now operates almost entirely online, with partner manufacturers handling production.

Is Orla Kiely still trading?

Yes. The official website is active, the outlet section offers discounts of up to 60%, and new collections are still released. No bankruptcy or permanent closure has been reported. As noted by TheIndustry.fashion, the brand remains recognizable across accessories, homeware, and interiors through licensing deals.

Is Orla Kiely Irish?

Yes, Orla Kiely is an Irish fashion designer. Born in 1962, she studied textile design at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin before earning a Master’s at the Royal College of Art in London in 1993 (British Council Ireland). She later settled in London, where she runs the brand today. In 2018 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to fashion and retail (Wikipedia).

Where is Orla Kiely made?

Manufacturing details are not publicly itemised. According to Orla Kiely Furniture, the product range is developed with partner factories in Europe and Asia. No single production location is disclosed, which is common for licensing-based fashion brands.

What is Orla Kiely famous for?

The brand’s signature is its retro-inspired patterns, most notably the Stem print, first designed in 2000 for Spring/Summer 2001 (Coggles). The Stem motif — a simple rowan tree stem and leaves on white cotton canvas — became the brand’s breakthrough. Since then, patterns like Flower Oval and Shadow Flower have joined the roster, applied to bags, clothing, ceramic, wallpaper, and even a Citroen car (Evoke).

The implication: a single pattern can anchor an entire brand identity when executed with consistency across categories.

Is Orla Kiely a good brand?

Orla Kiely is widely regarded as a premium brand with a distinctive visual identity. Its design language — bold colours, repeated motifs, mid-century warmth — sets it apart from minimalist competitors. TheIndustry.fashion notes the brand’s ability to maintain recognition across multiple product categories. Customer reviews on the official site and third-party platforms consistently praise the quality of materials and the longevity of the patterns.

The brand’s bedding line, in particular, has a loyal following.

What makes Orla Kiely bedding unique?

Orla Kiely bedding stands out for its strong graphic identity. The prints are not subtle: they’re the focal point of the room. According to the Official Orla Kiely bedroom collection, the bedding uses 100% cotton with either a percale or sateen weave, and the patterns are applied using pigment-printing methods that retain colour after repeated washing.

The pattern: the brand converts a functional textile into a design statement, which is rare in the mid-range bedding market.

Where can I still buy Orla Kiely items?

The primary source is the official website at orlakiely.com, which ships to European countries and offers the full product range. The outlet section features past-season items at up to 60% off. Physical standalone stores are no longer listed; department-store stockists have largely dried up since the 2018 restructuring. Third-party retailers may carry old stock, but the official store remains the most reliable source.

The catch: without department-store distribution, trying before buying is no longer an option for most shoppers.

What materials are used in Orla Kiely bedding?

Orla Kiely bedding is primarily made from 100% cotton. The weave varies by collection: percale (crisp, cool) and sateen (smooth, lustrous) are the two options. Thread count typically falls between 200 and 300, which is standard for mid-to-premium bedding. The patterns are printed using reactive dyes that bind to the fibres, helping to reduce fading.

What is the thread count of Orla Kiely bedding?

Thread count ranges from 200 to 300, depending on the specific collection. According to the Official Orla Kiely bedroom collection, this range balances breathability with a smooth finish.

Does Orla Kiely bedding fade easily?

Fading resistance is good if the care instructions are followed. The brand recommends washing in cold water and avoiding bleach or harsh detergents. Tumble drying on low heat and removing promptly helps preserve the print’s vibrancy.

Is it better to get a duvet cover that is too big or too small?

General duvet wisdom favours a slightly larger cover. A cover that’s too small can bunch the duvet inside, creating cold spots. A slightly oversized cover is easier to insert and adjust, and the excess fabric drapes naturally. This applies to all bedding, not just Orla Kiely.

Five product details, one pattern: Orla Kiely’s bedding specs follow a consistent formula that prioritises print delivery and durability.

Quotes on Orla Kiely

Orla Kiely is an Irish fashion designer based in London, known for retro-inspired patterns.
– Wikipedia

The brand began with a small range of practical bags designed with functionality in mind, and expanded into a full lifestyle offering.
– Orla Kiely Furniture

Orla Kiely’s signature motifs have included Stem, Flower Oval, and Shadow Flower, applied to everything from bags to ceramics.
– Evoke

The thread running through every source: the brand’s visual language is its core asset, and it has survived the transition to a licensing model.

Frequently asked questions