LFW: Orla Kiely

With a soundtrack of Iko Iko and a campsite setting, Orla Kiely took us back to our Brownie days with her nostalgic SS14 collection. Whisking us away on safari, models were encouraged to pull up their knee-high socks and stoke the fires of Kiely’s very own campsite catwalk in a badge-winning performance.

Giving her signature style a super-cute, animal-inspired vibe, the princess of print delivered a collection of zebra tees and jersey dresses in a wearable, feminine range. From animal-shaped crossover bags to printed sundresses and trenchcoats, there was certainly no escaping the theme here. But with rhino and lion prints this cute – who would want to?

Giving every Girl Guide hope that Kiely may one day be tasked with the challenge of making their uniforms, models took to their outdoorsy tasks (fires and easels were present) in pastel berets, printed shirt dresses and tops with adorable animal motifs. This may have focused on a ‘70s-inspired silhouette but it was certainly a contemporary collection.

As we’ve come to expect from the Irish designer, the accessories were as strong as the mainline collection too. A collaboration between Clarks and the designer ensured that the model’s schoolgirl vibe was completed with high block heels, leather sandals and slingback Mary Janes.

Everybody’s fave accessory – the backpack – was also given the signature Kiely treatment in a multi-stem print. A new shape for Kiely also arrived in the form of the Huckleberry – a must-have binocular case bag.

As we’ve come to expect from Kiely, this was playful fashion served up with a healthy helping of print – and an Um Bongo to wash it down. Does life get much better?

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London Fashion Week SS14 runs from Friday 13 to Tuesday 17 September. Stay tuned for more coverage.