AIBU to think Orla Kiely is over?

[whataboutbob]

You can't move for bold graphic prints, and retro apples and pears. I used to covet her stuff but now it's everywhere- in Sainsbury's, Uniqlo, Paperchase, Tescos and soon no doubt Specsavers and Boots. Half the high street seems to be wearing an Orla Kiely Uniqlo autumn collection scarf. Is she cheapening the brand? Is she the new Boden? And will she lose her appeal as a result? I think she has for me.

[polyhymnia]

I obviously haven't read Grazia carefully enough - except for the fashion and beauty. As for Ms Hinsliff she styles herself their political correspondent but I wouldn't go to Grazia for political analysis and comment so have barely skimmed her page.

[EllenParsons]

I have one of the uniqlo scarves which I got for a tenner and really like, but a lot of the prints are not my style and I'm not into her in a big way.

[Tweet2tweet]

I love the actual Orla Kiely line- the one that isn't diluted to be sold on the high street.

However I have made a few observations over the last year which are not good:

• Many of the items now include polyester mix! At over £300 for dress this is unforgivable
  

• The prices have been hiked up. I can't afford them but sometimes tried to buy something in the sale. Some times have had a 50% increase!
  

• The length of dresses/skirts has become much shorter which means it's not so good for anyone who wants to look classy/truly retro. Only '60/70's style should be mini. The 40/50's should be just below the knee to work IMO
  

• This designer also needs to refresh some of her ideas. Although I think that some of the designs are delightful she seems to be reusing ideas with different buttons/slightly different cut.

[gingerbreadbaby]

Personally I love her stuff and can't get enough, it's nice being able to purchase unique prints which you don't find in the likes of h&m and other high street stores. The Uniqlo collaboration just made it affordable!

[ifancyashandy]

Can't abide Orla stuff. Horrible colours and boring, unimaginative prints. Long may it be over!

[kablecar]

I love Orla Kiely! it only makes me happy to see that there is much more choice now especially for anyone who can't afford all the high end range! It's not everyone's taste but that's why it's so great, She doesn't design for the world to approve she designs what she likes which you can't say about many other brands these days :-)

@fridgepants yes think you have the dates wrong, I sign up to the newsletter so for any of those who want to know

Shop 14
The Old Truman Brewery
Elys Yard entrance
15 Hanbury Street
London
E1 6QR

Nearest tube stations
Aldgate East
Liverpool Street
Shoreditch High Street

Thursday 29th Nov 11am to 7pm
Friday 30th Nov 11am to 7pm
Saturday 1st Dec 11am to 6pm
Sunday 2nd Dec 11am to 4pm

£1 entry fee - all proceeds go to charity

[Londonista1975]

I've never liked her print designs - dated and too identifiable for my taste. Tbh, I'm surprised she's lasted so long, especilly in the current economic climate. I mean it's not like she's got a hugely coveted luxury brand, one that's aspiritational (unlike Mulberry, for example), yet her stuff is hardly cheap.

[polyhymnia]

Agree - but then again I don't like Mulberry either - just so predictable and too much shiny bling on some styles.

[Devora]

I REALLY like Orla Kiely prints. But I have kept myself strictly limited to one bit of crockery and one handbag, because she is completely over-exposed.

I think it should be a law: you are allowed ONE item from Orla Kiely, Cath Kidston, Emma Bridgewater, Clarissa Hulse. Any more and a klaxon sounds in the style police station and they'll come and nick you.

[thegallofher]

Evidently so!

[beanaseireann]

I never liked her designs but am sad that it appears to have gone wallop.
I always preferred flowery stuff like Pip Studio, Cathy Kidston and Greengate.

[Dowser]

Well it took 6 years.
So can’t have been all bad.
Wasn’t for me. Reminded me too much of the 70s

[penguinseatfish]

They've just gone into administration.

[beanaseireann]

Does anyone else think over expansion is a bad thing in retail.
Having one shop with lots of customers is better than having two with all the extra overheads that entails- staff costs, heating lighting insurance etc.
When there was no Cath Kitson in Ireland I made a bee line for it in London.
Now there are three that I know of, I dont bother going in.

[dudsville]

I like a bit of retro stuff but they are hugely recognisable brands so, like some pps, I keep my Cath Kidston to a few sets of pajamas and I keep my Orla Keily to a muted hand bag and a tea storage jar. I think these brands will be fun to look back on in 40 years and remember how popular they were, but as the styles are signaturely dated there's no future for them.

[neveradullmoment99]

I cant help but like Orla Kiely designs but it has been overdone. All started with the collaborations. Uniqlo and Orla although it literally flew off the shelves. Then with clarks [loved but they were all pattern and no substance - I had a pair that lasted a few months] Not sure what came first but then it was a collaboration with coffee - douwe egberts. Jars with orla patterns. Then there are the bags at Tesco. They are still selling them today I notices. I think it cheapened the brand. If it wasn't Orla, it was a design that look like her stuff. Everyone was copying it. Her fabric was sold and on Ebay people were flogging their own cushions made with her fabric... and so on...
Its not really surprising its led to this tbh.