SAFIA MINEY: Why did you want to become a fashion designer and what got you started?

ORLA KIELY: Well I think it must have started when I was given a sewing machine as a little girl! I loved to sew and would select fabrics to make clothes for myself and my younger sisters. Also, from an early age I have always enjoyed art; specifically graphic bold shapes and colours. While studying at the National Collage of Art and Design in Dublin I was opened up to new worlds and possibilities and I knew by the end that I wanted to focus on textiles. My career has naturally progressed through textiles into fashion, homeware and even a fragrance!

SAFIA: Your prints are now world famous – what inspires them? How many print designers work
on the team?

ORLA: As a designer I find I never stop absorbing ideas from the world around me – even if I am not conscious of it! Both living in London and travelling for work allows me to see so much. Inspiration from print can come from anything as small as everyday household objects to a painting or film. I love to visit exhibitions. I also take inspiration from vintage fabrics and love trawling through markets and vintage stores.

SAFIA: You’re as passionate as me about textiles – why do you love natural textiles?

ORLA: I find that natural textiles have a wonderful texture and often have so many interesting little imperfections which makes the fabric unique. I also love the structures the cloth creates and find that as soon as our prints are translated onto fabric they take on a new life.

SAFIA: Why did you want to collaborate with People Tree and support Fair Trade groups?  Why do you think people should support Fair Trade?

ORLA: I think what People Tree is doing is amazing. I had been aware of you for some time. And was excited when you approached me to collaborate on a project I jumped at the chance! Within the fashion industry it is important to know our products come from a sustainable and socially responsible source. What People Tree are doing has clearly highlighted this issue and are leading the way for all designers to be responsible for where and how their products are made.

SAFIA: What did you think when you saw photos of your bags being made?

ORLA: It was fascinating seeing this hands on and traditional approach to the manufacturing process.
As a designer it is very rewarding to see our prints in progress. The People Tree team take such pride
in their work.

SAFIA: You worked so hard to design a bag for People Tree that is really functional.  I never use bags but I’ve used yours non-stop!  The functional aspect of product design is as important as the visual design, I guess?

ORLA: Of course! It would be an amazing experience to visit your teams and see first hand how People Tree is developing and changing people’s lives.

SAFIA: In which ways do you have a “green” lifestyle?  Are you an ethical customer too?

ORLA: I try to be as ethically responsible as I can in both my personal and design life. I walk to work everyday with my labradoodle Olive which is a great form of exercise too! I try not to fly far and mainly holiday in Ireland crossing over on a Ferry. In everyday life I try to use locally source products with reduced packaging. Within my work, I endeavour to offer my products with reusable packaging. All our bed linen comes in a beautiful printed box which having its own functionality as a storage box can be used again
and again.