At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Archivist to preserve and catalogue our iconic fashion history.
- Company: Orla Kiely is a renowned brand celebrated for its unique patterns and design heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible freelance hours, working 16-24 hours per week in vibrant London.
- Other info: This is a 6-month freelance role with potential for extension; apply by 31 August 2025.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team, shaping the future of fashion through our rich archive.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital archiving, preferably in fashion or design, is essential.
Job Description
Orla Kiely is a globally recognised fashion and lifestyle brand, best known for its iconic Stem leaf print and extensive library of nostalgic, joyful patterns. Our archive is central to our heritage, design inspiration, and brand storytelling. We are seeking a detail-oriented, creative, and proactive Archivist to help preserve, catalogue, and leverage our historical materials for future design development, collaborations, and marketing. This will be a freelance contract opportunity to complete the archiving project over an estimated 6-month period, working an anticipated 2- 3 days or 16 - 24 hours per week.
The scope of work includes working with the design team and leading the organisation, documentation, and preservation of our digital and physical archives - including prints & original artwork, photography, press clippings, garments, fabrics design records and marketing materials. The primary purpose is to ensure our creative legacy is accessible for internal teams and provide research support for seasonal collections, collaborations, and brand storytelling.
We require an experienced Digital Archivist to take on this project and undertake all tasks incumbent in the creation and management of our new digital archive. This includes archive management (across our extensive design, garment, fabric, original artwork and digital design records). The project includes undertaking research & creative support, together with all processing associated with the cataloguing project, and ensuring copyright and brand security are adhered to.
Applicants should have experience, either in a freelance or employed capacity, of similar projects within digital archiving, preferably within the fashion, textile or design industries. Knowledge of textile and garment preservation techniques and involvement with preparing archives for exhibitions or media is preferred. Importantly, applicants should be able to demonstrate excellent project management skills and experience with digital asset management systems and metadata tagging. Although a project-role which we will be offering on a freelance contract basis for a period of six months, the successful applicant will be working alongside the design team and with all staff to enable the effective delivery of the project.
To apply, please provide your CV and any supporting evidence of similar previous projects to hr@orlakiely.com before 31 August 2025. We anticipate this project will commence in September 2025.
Contract Term: 6 months (with potential for extension)
Hours: Subject to agreement (min 16 – max 24 hours per week)
Location: London
Contract fee: Subject to contract (min £270 per week/16 hrs)
Archivist in City of London employer: Orla Kiely
Orla Kiely is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for creative professionals to engage with a globally recognised brand steeped in heritage and design innovation. Working as an Archivist in London, you will be part of a collaborative team that values your expertise in preserving and showcasing our iconic patterns and materials, while enjoying flexible working hours and the potential for project extension. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and encourages contributions to meaningful projects that shape our brand's storytelling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Archivist in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Orla Kiely's brand identity and design ethos. Understanding their iconic patterns and historical context will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the fashion and textile industry, especially with professionals who have experience in digital archiving. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work in digital archiving, particularly any projects related to fashion or textiles. Highlight your project management skills and any experience with digital asset management systems to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in digital archiving and preservation techniques. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only enhance your skills but also show your commitment to the role and the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Archivist in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in digital archiving, especially within the fashion or design industries. Include specific projects that demonstrate your skills in archive management and preservation techniques.
Showcase Your Projects:Alongside your CV, provide supporting evidence of similar previous projects. This could include case studies, portfolios, or examples of your work with digital asset management systems and metadata tagging.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that explains why you are passionate about the role and how your background aligns with Orla Kiely's needs. Highlight your project management skills and your ability to work collaboratively with design teams.
Follow Application Instructions:Ensure you send your application to the correct email address (hr@orlakiely.com) and before the deadline (31 August 2025). Double-check that all documents are attached and formatted correctly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orla Kiely
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in digital archiving, especially those related to fashion or textiles. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed archives and how your work contributed to design or marketing efforts.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Since the role requires excellent project management abilities, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively planned and executed similar projects. Discuss any tools or methodologies you used to keep everything on track.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Brand
Research Orla Kiely’s history, design ethos, and their iconic patterns. Understanding their brand storytelling will help you articulate how your skills can enhance their creative legacy during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about the archive project and how it fits into the broader goals of the company. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
