Join Head of Exhibitions Dennis Nothdruft as he explores how Orla Kiely became one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful designers in this illustrated online talk.
Through this online talk, Dennis will reflect upon the exhibition Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern which was originally held at the museum in 2018. Featuring over 150 patterns and products, as well as collaborations with photographers, film directors and architects, the exhibition emphasised the role of ornament and colour in our everyday lives.
He will discuss how the trademark ‘Stem’ graphic, created in the 1990s, has evolved to feature on everything from mugs and dresses to notebooks and even cars, plus prototypes for her early signature bags and the evolution of the iconic ‘Pear’ and ‘Flower’ designs. Discover how Orla’s instantly recognisable graphic patterns have enthralled a global audience to the rhythms and repeats of her designs.
This is a recording of the online event, Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern, which originally took place on Friday 16 July 2021 via Microsoft Teams.
About the speaker
Dennis Nothdruft is Head of Exhibitions at the Fashion and Textile Museum. He has led the exhibitions team at the Museum since it was founded by Zandra Rhodes in 2003 and previously spent many years working as a design assistant in Zandra Rhodes studios in both San Diego and London. He has lectured widely on many aspects of fashion and textiles and has authored several books including Zandra Rhodes: 50 Fabulous Years in Fashion, How to Draw Like a Fashion Designer, How to Draw Vintage Fashion and Kaffe Fassett: the Artist’s Eye.