Orla Kiely, Irish designer of retro handbags, homewares, accessories and ready-to-wear pieces, has recently seen her business expand globally, with a new flagship shop opening on Mercer Street in New York just last month, as well as plans to open in places as far reaching as South Korea. We feel honored to be stocking a few of her pieces in our very own Emporium in little old Somerset – and her famous prints certainly add cheer to our shop.

Much like Monty and I, Orla runs her business in partnership with her husband Dermott Rowan, who I met up with recently for a tour of Kilver Court. Their business relationship was described as ‘yin and yang’ in the Wall Street Journal, with Dermott taking care of the financial side of things, allowing Orla to do what she does best.

A recent collaboration with ethical brand People Tree shows that Orla’s heart is in the right place – she endeavours to source her products from sustainable and socially responsible manufacturers. But I think my favourite element of the brand is the mid-century styling of all of the designs, inspired by décor from her childhood in the 60s and 70s.

You can catch up with developments from the Mercer Street store here. Orla Kiely’s book, ‘Pattern’, is also a good read if you are in to retro design.

Emporium Prices

Above Left: Was £160, now £112
Above Right: Was £165, now £115.50