10.27.2010

A review on Orla Kiely's new book: Pattern


Photos by Corey!
Vintage Dress: Estate Sale
Blouse: Ebay
Necklace: Etsy
Socks: F21
Shoes: Saver's
Purse: Shop Dixi

If you couldn't tell I was Orla Kiely-obsessed before today, I'm fairly certain I'll have you convinced by the end of this post. It seems that all those fanatic posts I did about her and her collections paid off, because a lady from Octopus Publishing took notice and asked if I'd like to review her new book, Pattern.

I'm usually bad about buying coffee table books and never reading a single word in them, so I was glad to get the book under these circumstances. It meant I actually had to sit down and read everything!
I'm so glad I did. It was inspiring to read about her back-story and what an impact her surroundings had on her as a kid. All the small things in her past that helped shape the Orla Kiely brand into what it is today. The hard work she put in as a student and as a print designer for the Espirit label.

You realize how much time and effort she has put into the Orla Kiely label and it makes you so happy to see it succeeding!

I think most inspiring is that she's not trying to fit into any category that she's not. She knows what she likes and what her aesthetic is and she sticks to it. She builds off of it each season and maintains the Orla Kiely point of view that we've all come to love – a quality I've been striving to achieve in myself this year.

"I can be an outsider. Incapable of following trends just for the sake of it, I'm not in the business of reinventing myself to be this year's sensation. My need is to feel both inspired and satisfied by what I achieve. I do my own thing. I love fashion but I would never want to be its slave."

YES, YES, YES! Never a more perfect quote.


I know the book looks big – and it was a lot to read – but so many of the pages are filled with the most wonderful prints from her archives. I could flip through them for days! They give me such great inspiration for future projects.

Her trademark Stem print will always be my favorite. The fact that she and her team members refer to it like it's their young son by capitalizing the first letter makes me love it even more. It has become such a vital element to the Orla Kiely brand and I think it's one of the best graphic logos out there.

It's great to see some of her earlier fashion lookbooks too. You can't find a lot of images online, but they show a few in the book! It actually talks in depth about the process of building a collection. The whole thing is great for anyone looking to go into print or fashion design. It talks in detail about her experiences with manufacturers and the schedules that come with developing a full range of clothing and home decor.

The woman is a genuis when it comes to print and colors too. I think I should probably credit her for my obsession with orange, brown, and cream lately – a phase I hit when I started reading her book. She opened my eyes to the science of color and the optimism that comes with it.
Do I sound like a crazy fan now? The book was just too good. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good read and a new coffee table book! It's only $23 on Amazon.

23 comments:

Helena said...

your nail polish is so perfect for this shoot, i love it!

Rebeccak said...

Talk about colour - this last photograph is exceptional!!

Alyspank said...

Excellent review! I too fall victim to buying books like these and never reading them. I have the nasty habit of thumbing through to all the pictures and avoiding the words entirely, even though they may be the best part!

Http://beautysimplistic.blogspot.com

Annie, Time Enough for Drums said...

These photos are 200% incredible. I'm in love!

Gina said...

Love the review, Starr! One of the things I love most about Orla is that she always stays true to her aesthetic. So lovely. What I wouldn't do for one of her lovely coats this season.
xoxo,
Gina

In the Weeds and the Whimsy said...

This picture line is one of the best I've seen. I know the pattern book had a lot to do with it, but everything is gorgeous. Clothes, colors, location---everything.

cheers

Robin said...

I might actually get this book as I'm in the process of decorating and remodling a home we just bought. But I have to agree with the poster who said everything about this photo shoot is just perfect, the color the clothes, the location your so awesome! luv it!

Anonymous said...

Socks and background! The colours/patterns in your photo make me all warm and fuzzy! Gorgeous! :D

SoOhCliché said...

A lovely colorful and inspirational post ! I love the nailpolish too !

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

You are obsessed! But she's a worthy one to be obsessed with. And speaking of trying to maintain quality... these pictures are wonderful; perfectly styled and perfect background... I'm quite awed.

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

I love how you pulled all of this together into a beautiful outfit!!! I don't think you are crazy at all for enjoying the book and her patterns and such. I really do love this set and outfit so much.

callie said...

Thanks for this review. I had no idea this book existed & I really want to get it now. All of your pictures are just so beautiful & professional Starr! Great job. :)

Emma said...

Lovely photos Starr!, Love the nail polish too!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, the book looks so dreamy, I've got to get my hands on it :) These are wonderful photos too, some of my favorites from you!

PS. Featured a photo of you on my blog today :)

NURA said...

wow, your blog is great, what do you think of following each other? xx

Kristin said...

i totally want one. i'd love to get an orla kiely bag as well. your dress looks so great.

Rebecca said...

An excellent review. I really admire her work and whole aeshetic - I love how you're created you own interpretation, that last photo looks like it could have been in the book.

Anonymous said...

I love this! Wonderful! The last photo is so beautiful. Sounds like a great book!

x
nancy

Check out the Paloma Vintage Giveaway!

A Little Brighter said...

Oh wow! that book sounds amazing! I love how she seems like such a free spirit!
I LOVE your Orla inspired photos they fit in so well with this post that it almost seemed like they were images from the book!
That picture of you smiling is
amazing!

Ayesha x

Sea Bird said...

I actually saw that book the other day and I thought of your blog! The photo at the bottom is absolutely brilliant, the use of color is so amazing and playful.

Cait said...

This is one of the most beautiful blog posts I've ever seen. I just bought this book for my Mum's birthday but I really want to keep it for myself!

Marta Castellanos said...

I love it!! And all the pics!!

www.meencantamiropa.blogspot.com

C said...

Starr, these pictures are incredible. I mean, seriously, everything about this shoot is perfect. You've thought of every detail, and it came out looking absolutely phenomenal.