Orla Kiely, the beloved Irish brand recognized for its iconic retro patterns and vibrant designs, has made the heartbreaking announcement of shutting down all its standalone retail stores, online platform, and wholesale operations. The closure of Kiely Rowan Plc, the parent company behind the label, marks the end of an era in the world of fashion and design.
The company’s decision to enter voluntary liquidation comes after a series of difficulties faced in recent years. The directors of Kiely Rowan Plc spoke to The Irish Times, explaining, “After carefully evaluating our options, we have made the difficult choice to cease trading due to various challenges encountered by the business in the UK and overseas.”
As a result of this move, Orla Kiely’s flagship stores in London, including those in Covent Garden and Kings Road, along with the Kildare location, have been closed. Nevertheless, the Home and Design licensing arm of the brand will remain unaffected, with accessories and homewares continuing to be available through distribution partners.
In a heartfelt message on the now-defunct website, Orla Kiely, her husband Dermott Rowan, and the entire team expressed gratitude to their loyal customers for their unwavering support over the years. An exhibition showcasing Orla Kiely’s impressive three-decade career, with a glimpse into her archives, is currently on display at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London until the week’s end. Titled ‘Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern,’ the exhibition was curated by the designer herself and features more than 150 patterns and products from the brand. It quickly became the museum’s highest-selling ticketed event.
Renowned for its nature-inspired prints, Orla Kiely amassed a devoted following, counting celebrities like Alexa Chung and Kate Middleton among its fans. What initially began as a handbag venture evolved into a famous fashion and homeware empire, with its distinctive designs gracing everything from clothing and accessories to everyday items like radios, canisters, and wallpaper.
To learn more about the impact of Orla Kiely’s closure, check out this insightful article by [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/orla-kiely-shuts-down-stores-licensing-home-design-2018-9) and this piece by [Vogue](https://www.vogue.co.uk/news/article/orla-kiely) for a deep dive into the brand’s legacy.
