British artist Emma Shipley talks inspiration, storytelling and the magical world behind Bosque Dreams – our limited-edition collaboration inspired by one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests.
Inspired by Emma's travels through Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, the limited-edition Bosque Dreams capsule transforms Lulu favourites with richly detailed illustrations of surreal rainforest creatures, lush botanical landscapes and jewel-toned colour. Every print begins life as a hand-drawn pencil illustration before being brought to life digitally, creating pieces that invite you to look a little closer each time you carry them.
We caught up with Emma to talk about the inspiration behind the collection, her creative process and why fashion should always leave room for imagination.
Q:What was the starting point for Bosque Dreams?
A: I travelled to Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and was completely captivated by the wildlife and sense of magic that exists there. I wanted to capture that feeling of stepping into another world, somewhere the ordinary rules don't quite apply.
Fantasy has always been part of my work, so monkeys with butterfly wings and puma tails transforming into foliage felt like a natural extension of the landscape I experienced.
Q: Your work blends nature with fantasy so beautifully. Which creatures inspired this collection?
A: I knew I wanted to feature some of the incredible wildlife from the region, especially the elusive puma and ocelot. I was lucky enough to see many of the animals in person, from sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys to blue morpho butterflies, and I photographed them before sketching them later.
The more time you spend looking at the print, the more hidden details you'll discover, and that's exactly how I wanted it to feel.
Q: There's such a strong sense of escapism running through the collection. Why is that important to you?
A: I think we all need somewhere to escape to. My fantasy worlds are places I'd genuinely like to inhabit – full of curious creatures, dramatic beauty and rich colour.
If carrying something can transport you, even for a moment, it changes how you feel when you walk out of the door. That's something I always hope my work can do.
Q: How did the collaboration with Lulu Guinness come together?
A: It felt incredibly natural. Lulu and I share a love of colour, textiles, craftsmanship and whimsical details, so bringing our two worlds together was exciting from the very beginning.
Combining my hand-drawn illustrations with Lulu's beautifully made bags has created something that's distinctive, playful and full of personality.
Q: The collection includes both everyday bags and travel pieces. Who did you imagine carrying them?
A: I kept thinking about someone with a real sense of adventure. She might be travelling somewhere extraordinary or simply making the school run feel a little more magical.
I love the idea that a beautifully designed bag can transform an everyday journey into something special.
Q: Your illustrations are incredibly intricate. How does a print come to life?
A: Everything starts with pencil on paper. I begin with a rough composition before building the drawing layer by layer, often inventing details as I go. A finished illustration can take several weeks.
Once it's complete, I scan the artwork and colour it digitally. That stage allows me to explore different palettes while keeping all the character and texture of the original hand drawing.
Q:The collection is full of rich jewel tones. What drew you to that palette?
A: I wanted the colours to feel fantastical and slightly surreal. Jewel tones naturally feel luxurious, and I loved the idea of unexpected colours – an electric blue puma or a turquoise bat.
Colour is always the final stage of my process, but it's often the moment when everything suddenly comes alive.
Q: Both your work and Lulu Guinness have a playful spirit. Why should accessories still feel fun?
A: Because life is too short to take everything seriously. I genuinely believe joy is a legitimate design intention. The things we carry every day should make us smile, and that's something I love about this collaboration. The bags are practical enough to use every day, but they're also full of imagination and personality.
Q: What do you hope people feel when they carry a piece from the collection?
A: I hope they feel transported. I'd love someone to notice a bag across a room, look a little closer and discover something unexpected hidden within the print. If it starts a conversation or simply makes someone smile, then it's done exactly what I hoped it would.
SHOP THE COLLECTION
