Orla Kiely’s iconic pattern called Stem.
Fashion is both fascinating and contradictory. It creates trends and follows them, it welcomes and rejects; it judges. I love the fact that I am a part of it but I also relish the knowledge that my design language is different. I can be an outsider. Incapable of following trends just for the sake of it, I’m not in the business of reinventing myself to be this year’s sensation. My need is to feel both inspired and satisfied by what I achieve. I do my own thing. I love fashion but I would never want to be its slave.
Orla Kiely – Irish born fabric pattern and fashion designer.
This quote is from an article about Ms. Kiely in Selvedge magazine, a British publication covering “The Fabric of your Life: Textiles in Fashion, Fine Art, Interiors, Travel, and Shopping.” Each issue has a theme and this one is Britannia (Issue 40 May/June 2011).
I like what Ms. Kiely says here and I believe there are many ways to live fashion. She and I share a desire for independence. I’m not into trends or brands or what I call corporate fashion. Still, I follow it all and forge my own path.
Here’s to independent spirits in fashion!
OverDressed for Life 
Amen.