A LIFE IN PATTERN: ORLA KIELY EXHIBITION

Visiting shows and exhibitions isn’t something I do just for work, I like to attend as many as I can for myself, in my own time. I love observing what’s old, new and what’s looking good. A trip to a gallery or museum to see the work by an artist that I love, or a period of time that I’m interested in really inspires me and I especially enjoy the trip to the gift shop and cafe, usually for stationary, books and cake!

The fantastic facade of the Fashion and Textile Museum

The Orla Kiely exhibition at the Fashion & Textile Museum in London was more for just for me, even though I use a lot of the home products in interior room sets too. I’ve been a big fan and follower of the Orla Kiely brand for a number of years now and probably what we all love about Orla’s designs is the power of retrospect and nostalgia. There’s something about the slightly merky 1970’s colour palette that takes you back to your nana’s sitting room, surrounded by feelings of warmth, comfort and happiness. But the palette is being used in a fresh and modern way alongside bright pops of colour and addictive repetitive motifs that can only make you smile. 

I remember the days when Manchester had a Heals that sold the Orla Kiely furniture line as well as the bedding, cushions and mugs. I used to spend lunch breaks to drewling over the beautiful chairs and dining tables wishing that I’d be able to afford them one day, and I’d buy a mug for a taste of the action! Heals, please bring back a Manchester branch! We miss you! And you too Habitat. 

This exhibition concentrated mainly on the fashion side (I’m hoping for an exhibition solely based on interiors one day soon!) which I’m also a fan of, especially the shoes and handbags. But what I loved most was being immersed into a sea of quirky colour and pattern as you walk through the museum, it was such a pleasure that I walked around each area 3 or 4 times. 

I wanted this post to be more about the photos than the words, so I’ve included a gallery of pictures to give you an insight in case you’re not able to visit. If you get your skates on though, you can still head down to the Fashion and Textile Museum until 23rd September 2018 to catch it for yourself.

You’ll see from the images that there was a really nice play on scale. Especially for the exhibition, designers had created massive pieces of clothing make from Orla fabric, as well as these miniature versions above. It added a real playfulness to the show and helped get the brain ticking away about creative ways to use fabric and colour.

I’ve also included some close ups of my favourite handbags, I love the pink green and brown design (5th down on the right of the portrait photos.) I love the colour combination, and the fact that it’s a slightly less obvious design.

I absolutely love the OK mannequin brigade and think this is a really nice way way to display the clothing, bags and shoes, with mismatched colours and clashing prints and enjoyed the way this area was surrounded by framed fashion prints.

All in all a very inspiring and colourful day.