Lulu Guinness was founded in 1989, when its then 29 year old creative director and founder created a forward-thinking briefcase for women. Since the company’s conception, Lulu Guinness’ intention has always been to be slightly outré and push boundaries. The brand’s creations are regularly seen on the arms of trailblazing women, such as Kate Moss, Fearne Cotton, Emma Watson, Poppy Delevigne, Paloma Faith and Dita Von Teese. They are women with a fierce sense of humour and an even fiercer sense of their own femininity, who dare to venture outside the parameters set by a predominantly trend led fashion industry.
The brand’s sophisticated silhouettes, humorous embellishments and adventurous accessories have become cult favourites around the globe. The central motif, the distinctive Dali-esque lips clutch, remains the brand’s staple accessory, transporting the Surrealist art movement into mainstream popular culture. The Florist Basket, which caught the eye of Madonna, became part of the permanent fashion collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and has also been exhibited in Sotheby’s London and New York.
Today the brand still abides by the motto ‘Dare to Be Different’ - said by one of its heroes, the Surrealist couturier and fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli - and the women who wear Lulu Guinness do just that. 2017 was a milestone year for the brand with the introduction of footwear and Ready To Wear, providing an exciting new area of growth for the company. Creative Director Lulu was awarded an OBE from the Queen in 2006 and was awarded The Independent Handbag Designer Awards ICONOCLAST Award for Lifetime Achievement in Handbag Design in 2009. She also received an Honorary Doctorate by The University of the Arts London in 2012.
Lulu is the living, breathing personification of her brand: You will never catch her without her trademark red lipstick.