LFW – Orla Kiely S/S 2014 collection

Established Irish designer Orla Kiely showcased her exciting safari-style SS14 collection at Elm Lester Gallery during London Fashion Week.

Photographers, press and bloggers gathered around the stunningly creative safari set, as the models mimed actions and paraded through the stage, as though they were girl guides on a real safari camp.

Trees, grass, animals and maps were painted on the wall, and animal noises and the popular The Lion Sleeps Tonight song could be heard through the speakers. The props included an old radio and magnifying glasses, which added a touch of a vintage period. Other props included flasks, mugs and chairs which added a homely and innocent feel to the atmosphere reflecting all of Orla’s designs.

Feminine and stylish, Orla had created dresses and tops, which was inspired by girl guides, brownies and the 12-year-old character from Moonrise Kingdom, Suzy Bishop.

With a 70’s twist of vintage fashion combined with unique safari prints of giraffes and zebras, Orla has managed to present and explore colour, texture and pattern through design and theme.

The playful and bright shades of oranges, pastels and pinks added a cheerful and girlish impression to her creations. Matching knee-length dresses with knee-high socks, white T-shirt with orange zebras, animal printed A-line dresses and lace skater skirts were some of the outfits that were showcased at the show.

A black dress with bird-prints overlay a long-sleeved orange sheer top, and a white dress with quarter-length sheer sleeves and big gold buttons were also other unique designs presented.

Other distinctive creations included Orla’s creative bags, which were animal-shaped mini satchels and classic croc embossed leather handbags.

Orla has created a successful and appealing vintage meets safari collection, which is fun, pretty and adorable that could be worn by any female for a casual outing.

Jasmine Ripa