Yesterday, all eyes were on the doors of St. Mary’s hospital’s Lindo Wing, anxiously awaiting the first glimpse of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Cambridge. While everyone was over the moon excited to see what Kate Middleton would wear for her first appearance as a mom (so much so that Jenny Packham’s site crashed), another Middleton didn’t exactly escape unnoticed, Middleton’s mom and grand mom to the Prince! Carole caused a mini-frenzy when she stopped by the hospital to visit the new heir in a pretty Orla Kiely frock.
As chance would have it, we had plans to see Kiely at the launch of her iPhone and iPad accessory collection for Target that same day–and had to get the scoop on how the Irish designer felt about playing a small part on a very big day.
Clearly we didn't know [she was going to wear it,  Kiely said. “That was a surprise a good surprise. She looked great–you know she’s so elegant and slim and lovely.” In other words, she’s a lot like her daughter, Kate, whose also a fan of Kiely’s designs.
I was delighted,  Kiely said. “It was a big moment for her, her first grandchild so I was delighted she chose one of our dresses.
As for whether the Middleton-approved designer has plans to dress the Royal Baby, Kiely was coy. “Well you never know,” she said with a sly smile.
I think all the Royal Baby hubbub is very sweet, she continued. I bet Will and Kate will be very normal [parents]. I bet they’ll try to be as normal as possible.”
As for the Target collaboration, Kiely said it came about because, like everyone else on the planet, she’s “attached to her iPhone.” So, why not bring a little quirky flair to the accessory you carry most?
The collection includes a handful of iPhone 5 and iPhone 4 cases, an iPhone 5 wallet, and iPad and iPad mini cases, produced by tech accessory company Belkin, and done up in four of Kiely’s signature prints all the better for Instagram, an app the 49 year old designer is pretty fanatical about. “My favorite app is definitely Instagram. I’m a visual person.”
This is actually the second time Kiely has collaborated with Target in 2007, the two teamed up on a home collection. I really like Target, Kiely said of the decision to partner up with the retailer. They work with lots of designers and I think they always respect the designer’s brand and integrity, etc. I had a very good experience with them before so I wanted to do something with them again.