Lulu Guinness
Lulu Guinness famous for exquisite, witty handbags and accessories launched her company in 1989 and instantly became a "must" in every fashion aficionado's international address book. Wild praise in the fashion media paved the way for the world of Lulu Guinness. Her unique creations are sold in department and specialty stores worldwide including Harrods and Selfridges in the UK, Bergdorf Goodman New York, Collette in Paris, and Harvey Nichols in Dubai & Istanbul.
Lulu Guinness also has six retail boutiques dotted around the globe. When in the UK, you’ll find her stores in the luxury shopping environment of the Royal Exchange in the City of London and on Ellis Street, just off Sloane Street. Lulu also has an adorable shop in New York’s west village on Bleecker Street, where shopping is made quaint and you’ll find the boutique is the perfect showcase for the entire range of accessories. When stopping over in Japan, you’ll find Lulu’s boutique in Tokyo’s Rappongi Hills, as well as boutiques in Osaka and the latest in Fukuoka.
Lulu's collectable bags have been described as 'tomorrow's treasures' and have been collected by many museums. They have also been subjects of two exhibitions in Sotheby’s London and New York. The Florist Basket and the Violet Hanging Basket are just two of the designs that have been included in the
permanent fashion collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Meanwhile her bags are seen on the arms of an ever-expanding list of celebrities; amongst them are Dita von Teese, Helena Bonham Carter, Jemima Khan, Sophie Dahl, Rachel Weisz, Keira Knightley, Claudia Schiffer and Debra Messing.
Despite her success Lulu has never had any formal design training apart from a year's foundation course at art school and a long-standing passion for design and fashion. In 1989, she left her job in video production to start her own business from the basement of the house in west London.
Lulu's strong personal style and her original ideas have played a large part in her success with her design inspiration springing partly from retro glamour and partly from modern chic 
In 2001 a shoe collection was launched to compliment the handbags range. Produced in collaboration with the British shoe company Lambert Howarth they are, like the handbags, both stylish and feminine but with an element of humour. For Lulu this development satisfied a long time ambition, ‘I have always wanted to design shoes. For years people have been asking me when they could have a pair of Lulu Guinness shoes.’ The range includes glamorous high heels, flats and boots.
In April 2003 Lulu launched her signature scent, a feminine floral fragrance. A glittering launch party and an exhibition of Lulu’s collectables and high end bags was held to launch Lulu’s first Limited Edition fragrance in September 2003. A year later in September 2004 the second Limited Edition fragrance was launched, a beautiful fresh lily scent, called ‘Put on Your Pearls Girls’.
The classically Lulu phrase, ‘Put on Your Pearls, Girls!’ was also the title of Lulu’s first book which was published in March 2005. This beautifully illustrated ‘pop-up book for adults’ is Lulu’s ‘Philosophy of Living Well’ and includes her famous sayings and a forward written by Helena Bonham Carter. Easter 2005 was host to a party and collectables exhibition at Sotheby’s in New York to launch the book. For the UK launch Lulu gave an exclusive talk to Victoria & Albert members then held a fabulous cocktail reception in the main dome in the V&A museum.
The Lulu Guinness bed linen range was launched in Spring 2006 in the Royal Suite at Claridges. The collections exude Lulu’s unique and glamorous style; including embroidered cushions, luxury knitted throws, silk eiderdowns and satin bedspreads. All available in the home ware department in Lulu’s store on Ellis Street
Lulu’s Couture Italian made handbag line was launched in Autumn Winter 2006. The new must-have ‘it’ bags from the ‘Couture’ collection is a range of beautiful frame bags with hidden travel compartments and intricate cosmetic detailing. To launch the collection Lulu held a star attended event during February 2006 London Fashion Week; attendees included Dita von Teeese, Helena Bonham Carter, Lizzie Jagger. A stunning campaign was shot to accompany the collection. The luxurious ‘Vanity’ collection launched along side the Couture collection and conjures up the charm and decadence of ladies travel items in the finest style and Italian leathers and suede linings.
In October 2006, Lulu was awarded an OBE from Her Majesty the Queen in recognition for her contribution to British fashion.
Holiday Resort 2006 saw Lulu’s first ever foray into jewellery with a gorgeous collection of costume jewellery, embellished with multi coloured glass beads, pearls and detailed hardware. Look close to see the delicately hidden wit.
Other developments include the Hollywood ‘Glamour Girl’ inspired sunglasses which were launched in Spring Summer 2004 and are now complimented with a recently launched optical range; a range of umbrellas, all in Lulu’s distinctive prints; a unique range of powder compacts, handbag mirrors, lip views, and pill boxes; a Lulu Guinness MacClaren Quest buggy which has become the most stylish item a new mother could wish for; and the Lulu Guinness website which enables customers to purchase Lulu Guinness products directly online.
Lulu also has participated in and designed other unique items including a Sky+ box; a stylish luxury travel bag for the Ford Focus car; a bespoke bag for the PSP play station other designers included Gwen Stefani and Christian Louboutin; the Canon ‘Through the Lens’ 2006 fashion project.
For more information please call: Sophie Cobbold @ Lulu Guinness 00 44 208 483 3338