Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Pattern by Orla Kiely



 All Photographs found in Pattern.

I poured through this lovely book by Orla Kiely called Pattern as soon as I got it home and since I've
been totally inspired by the BYW e-course I'm currently taking, I thought it might be a good idea to parallel how other successful creative's work and how they are influenced to keep creating fresh and new ideas into the world.  Orla Kiely is one such influential designer with a hugely successful global brand that started out with handbags and has since expanded to include accessories, travel & homeware (you might have seen some at Target), and a womenswear line.  Despite how big her brand has grown in size, it was refreshing to read that her ideas come from practicing new ways of learning to see the world around her. By discovering what you gravitate towards in shape, colors, moods, and themes, you start to develop a confidence in your own preferences which trains your eye to be a more critical editor.

"Inspiration is always the beginning of the design process. Next comes the research phase, where you delve into it all in more detail, gathering information of various kinds and trying out ideas in sketches and drawings." I've included just a few of my favorite patterns and photos from this book, but it truly is a great visual resource of inspiration and a wealth of information about building and sustaining a brand with new ideas that have a lasting impact.

12 comments:

Tori said...

I love your post! It's very inspiring and I also like your picture layout! I just might have to check this book out : )

I'm stopping by from BYW : )

Liz said...

Thanks Tori for stopping by! Yes, check this one out, it's totally worth it!

leah of sang the bird said...

Oh, this book is definately on my wish list! Liz your blog is lovely... Gorgeous, unique layout and font. I love it!
-leah {byw}

Jen said...

I love this Orla Kiely post-love her work! I'm also stopping by from the BYW...I also love the look of your blog!:)

Em Kathleen said...

These prints are addicting - love the post.
Happy Blogging -
Em Kathleen

Lauren said...

I love Orla...I covet one of her bags, but I just can't justify the splurge. Not yet at least! And I've been so inspired by BYW too! My head is spinning! Love your blog...xo

Liz said...

Thank you ladies for the motivating commments and feedback! Makes my heart skip and keeps me excited to keep blogging!

~Liz

Michelle * Viva Revival said...

Really great post! You're just too good at blogging. :-)

Liz said...

Haha, thanks Michelle! I wish I could blog like it was job. Maybe...someday :)

Hilary said...

I had never heard of Orla before your post but am really interested in exploring more of her work. I worked for a textile designer here in Dallas (Bonnee Sharp of studio bon textuiles) and gained so much appreciation for the process!

Thanks for sharing a beautiful review of the book!

Lovely Struck said...

Just saw your blog from your BYW homework. Love it- such a beautiful blog and FULL of great content!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful blog, I'm so inspired by Orla's work. Thanks for dropping by my blog and your lovely comments, by all means add me to your blog roll (I'm still meaning to get to mine!).