Raining Cats & Dogs – Orla Kiely AW14

I know it may seem like an Orla Kiely fest on the blog at the moment.  You wait ages for a post about the girly British brand and like buses, three come along at once (ish).  Well I’m about to add a fourth to the mix thanks to London Fashion Week, I always look forward to the brand’s thematic presentations and this one was no exception.  I’ve been watching closely for a few seasons now and it’s evolved nicely into the perfect wardrobe of cosy coats, chic dresses and now beautifully crafted shoes.  The invite always gives a little hint to the direction of the season and after seeing a brolly and raindrops, I immediately thought it was a homage to the British weather that we’re always moaning about.  As always, things are never quite what they seem and there is always a new point of reference to discover.  For AW14, Kiely looked to French musical ‘The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg‘ plus 60s icons Sandie Shaw, Petula Clark and Cilla Black.  This resulted in monochrome combinations peppered with a touch of sky blue and cat prints joining the trademark flower petals.  There is a sort of formula here, but it’s definitely a welcome one and I’m ready to join the ‘blue coat’ club. 

It seems with fashion week, I like a mixture of brands trying radical new things and those that create better versions of what’s in your imagination.  Orla Kiely definitely falls into the latter, there is always a bit of a vintage element but instead with printed ponyskin fabrics and neoprene bonded tweed coats, that you probably wouldn’t have seen back in the day.  Now I own a few pieces myself, I can vouch for the quality and all of those little details like detachable collars and ties at the waist to cinch you in.  The slightly geeky, off-kilter ladylike styling was again down to Leith Clark and I was particularly fond of the boxy bags this time around.  The sounds of raindrops and atmospheric lighting set the scene perfectly and a quick burst of ‘Singin’ In The Rain’ by Polly Wright signalled the end of a delightful presentation.  I’m now determined to tackle the crazy weather in style, if you’re going to have to carry an umbrella for 90% of the year, you might as well make it a transparent one with a pretty pattern! 

The second Orla Kiely for Clarks collaboration will be out this August, perfect for a late Summer shopping fix!  Do you know how hard it is to find a pair of exciting Mary-Janes these days?  They’re my favourite foolproof  kind of heel and I’m glad there’s a few styles in the collection (you can check out my favourites on my Pinterest board).  Long may it continue!