Take a Leaf Out of Orla’s Book: Why Making in the UK Matters

At a time when fashion’s supply chains stretch ever further across the globe, few established brands have remained as committed to UK manufacturing as Orla Kiely. In an industry dominated by offshore production and cost-driven decisions, Orla Kiely’s continued dedication to making on home soil stands out not as nostalgia, but as a deliberate, future-focused business choice.

Founded in 1995, Orla Kiely, an Irish designer based in London, emerged from a love of bold colour and graphic design at a moment when fashion was immersed in black. Drawing inspiration from mid-century modernism, vintage textiles and the everyday beauty of the 1960s and 70s, Orla’s aesthetic quickly became her signature. Her now-iconic Stem leaf print grew from a single design into a globally recognised motif that is joyful, optimistic and instantly recognisable.

Designing and Making in the UK

Orla Kiely has long championed UK manufacturing, producing garments, accessories and homeware with a strong emphasis on local skills and short supply chains. Her signature printed dresses have frequently been made in England, including collaborations with FashionCapital’s sister company – Fashion-Enter Ltd, London – an award-winning factory known not only for technical excellence, but also for training, fair employment and ethical production.

Recent collections, including styles such as the Flower Haze and Circle Line Orla dresses, have been designed and made in England. This is a tangible commitment to keeping production close to design teams, reducing unnecessary transportation and maintaining oversight of quality at every stage.

By producing locally, the brand significantly reduces its carbon footprint compared to garments that travel thousands of miles through fragmented global supply chains. Fewer touchpoints mean fewer emissions, less waste, and greater resilience in uncertain times.

The importance of this approach goes beyond one brand. UK manufacturing has suffered decades of decline, not because of a lack of skill or innovation, but because of systemic underinvestment and an industry obsession with chasing the lowest possible cost.

While the original Kiely Rowan PLC ceased trading in 2018, the Orla Kiely brand has continued to operate with a focus on high-quality, often locally produced, signature pieces. The ethos remains intact: thoughtful design, joyful creativity, and production choices that align with long-term value rather than short-term gain.

A Model Others Should Take Note Of

Orla Kiely’s success challenges the assumption that British manufacturing is incompatible with commercial viability. Her work proves that customers value authenticity, provenance and design integrity and that “Made in England” can still be a meaningful part of a brand’s identity.

For UK-based designers and emerging brands, the lesson is clear. Sustainability is not just about materials; it’s about systems. Producing closer to home reduces carbon impact, increases transparency, and strengthens the local industry that designers ultimately rely on.

As the fashion industry faces mounting pressure from consumers, legislation and climate realities brands that invest in local manufacturing now will be better placed for the future. Orla Kiely has shown that making in the UK is not a limitation, but an opportunity.

Images courtesy of Orla Kiely – the designs featured were Made in the UK at Fashion-Enter Ltd, Haringey, London.