Iconic Irish designer Orla Kiely shares a special possession that made her who she is today …
What is precious to you, for one reason or another? What object would you never want to lose? Our treasured possessions are often an expression, sometimes an extension, of our very selves.
AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, has been working on a series of stories of celebrated people and their most valued mementoes. From Colin Farrell, Sebastian Barry, Ardal O’Hanlon and Fiachna Ó Braonáin to Rachael Blackmore, Mairead McGuinness, Lynn Ruane and Alisha Weir, plus many more, THE GLOSS is proud to partner with AsIAm and bring you a story a month.
SEE MORE: Irish Stars Share Their Most Treasured Possessions
Orla Kiely, OBE, founded her eponymous brand in 1995 with a passion for bold colour and graphic design at a time when fashion was immersed in black. Inspired by the patterns of the 1950s and 1960s, her work quickly gained recognition for signature patterns, natural motifs and vibrant colours, creating a unique style that made her a household name.
Her design philosophy, rooted in mid-century design and print, now includes a wide range of products such as handbags, accessories, watches, jewellery, shoes, homeware and wallpapers. She has collaborated with some of the world’s most established names including Clarks, M&S, Uniqlo, John Lewis, TATE Modern in London and Target in the US.
Over her career, Orla has received numerous prestigious awards. She was made an OBE for services to fashion and business, and her designs have even appeared on Irish stamps, underscoring her iconic status. In 2024, Orla was honoured with The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad for her contributions to business and economic development.
Today, Orla Kiely products are sold in over 33 countries. She took the time out of her (incredibly!) busy day to share her most treasured possession with us …
“My treasured object is my sewing machine! It looks run down as it’s discoloured and the carrier box is broken, but it holds so many memories for me from my early teens when I made clothes for my siblings and for myself. Always simple in my own style, mostly guided by the latest edition of Vogue that I collected every month and saved. The machine is so old now, making it very hard to restore or even find the right parts to do so. I had it serviced recently hoping it would come back looking revived. Sadly, it did not but it still works beautifully.
“We didn’t get the stylish one but rather a sturdy, weighty Singer…”
When I was around 12-years-old, I was very crafty and industrious, always making things. I remember asking my father for a sewing machine and I had in all my wisdom seen the one I wanted. A slim machine with a front and back that folded up to make the case, and down to be a back and front table. Very clever and streamlined, I thought. My dad decided if he was buying me a machine, he would buy one that was solid and would last – an investment for life – so together we went shopping. We didn’t get the stylish one, but rather a sturdy, weighty Singer with a teak wooden table that it folded into with a drawer for all the essentials. I’m not sure the one I originally wanted would have lasted the past 50 years, but tthey’re still going strong. A little worse for wear, but I wouldn’t give it away for all the world.” @orlakiely
AsIAm, founded by Adam Harris in 2014, has a vision for Ireland as a place where every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. AsIAm provides community support through advice, advocacy, support and special interest groups for children and adults with autism. AsIAm provides training programmes in autism awareness and inclusion, and supports businesses to successfully recruit and employ autistic candidates. The charity operates an information line (0818 234 234) and provides support via instant messaging and email (support@asIam.ie).
To find out more: www.asiam.ie
To donate: www.asiam.ie/support-our-work/donate/