Advertisement

Orla Kiely fashion brand goes bust and London branches closed with immediate effect

The Orla Kiely design brand, worn by the likes of Kate and Pippa Middleton and Alexa Chung, has ceased trading and closed its London stores.

Workers were escorted out of the building earlier this week after the Irish designer, known for a Seventies style retro look, announced she has closed her online and retail businesses in London and Kildare with immediate effect.

A small selection of accessories and homeware will continue to be sold in department stores.

A statement said: “Kiely Rowan Plc, the retail and wholesale fashion business of Orla Kiely, has ceased trading as of Monday 17 September 2018.

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing an Orla Kiely dress (AFP/Getty Images)
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing an Orla Kiely dress (AFP/Getty Images)

“This means our retail stores in London and Kildare and our online businesses have been closed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Orla Kiely’s Home and Design licensing business will not be impacted and its selection of accessories and homewares will continue to be sold through its distribution partners.

“Thank you for embracing our brand and designs throughout the years and for your ongoing support.”

Designer Orla Kiely at New York Fashion Week in September 2016 (Getty Images)
Designer Orla Kiely at New York Fashion Week in September 2016 (Getty Images)

The Orla Kiely brand had two stores in London, one in Covent Garden and another in Chelsea, and one in Kildare, Ireland.

Ibex News quoted a source for the company as saying: "It wasn’t sent out in an official email or anything but was spread through word of mouth.

“Around lunchtime we were all called together where the CEO told us we were all out of a job."