Did you read your exclusive ‘Life Lessons As Told By Lulu Guinness’ booklet from your March Birchbox? If so, you’ll know that Lulu herself is cheeky but chic, with a bright bubbly energy that epitomises the new warmer season. Editor Beth caught up with Lulu to delve a little further, finding out more of her product picks, a little about the origin of her company and her brilliant motto – read on!
What’s a typical day like for you?
I’m not the best morning person, so I like to take my time first thing. I see my beautiful daughter Maddie off to college and make my way to the office in Kensal Rise. Then I tend to split my time with the different departments in the office depending, who needs me the most! Design get the majority of my attention but I do like a good catch up with the PR and Marketing girls.
What was your first job?
My first proper job would have been my time modelling in Paris!
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self?
“Don’t get hung-up on the smaller issues in life
and always trust your instinct.”
How did ‘Lulu Guinness‘ the company come to be?
When I had my first child I decided I wanted to work from home, so in the late ’80s I designed a briefcase called the ‘Lulu Bag’. It ended up selling fantastically well and I really enjoyed having an outlet for my creativity – so I continued to design more bags. Luckily for me they became popular and the rest, as they say, is history!
Who are your icons and beauty icons?
Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli and – currently – it would have to be Dita Von Teese as a beauty icon.
What inspired your signature look?
A mixture of things really. I have always been inspired by ’50s fashion and that pin-up girl look, but not quite as sexy!
What are your make-up bag essentials?
A red lippy – I alternate between Lipstick Queen’s Sinner Red and a recent discovery is Lila’lli Lip Collision in Marylin. A good quality mascara – Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara in Black – to really open up my eyes. To de-shine, Poudre Majeur Excellence Compact from Lancôme is amazing!
What’s your biggest indulgence?
A little something from John Rocha – I just can’t help myself when I step inside the store on Dover Street.
What’s your favourite recent discovery?
Dr Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner literally transformed that tricky area around my nose!
Tell us your motto!
“You have to go off at a tangent if you want to stop going around in circles.”
Do you have any spring rituals?
Hmm, I don’t like throwing things out and I am often very grateful for the items I have held onto as I use them for inspiration in my designs. If anything I would say I start to prep my skin for a summer holidays I may have coming up. Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé Crème Body Scrub works wonders!
What are your hopes for the future?
I’m not great at planning too far in advance. It is my 25th Anniversary as a handbag designer this year so have lots in store for that and then just onto the next step!
We’re wishing Lulu a wonderful 25th Anniversary year and can’t wait to see what’s next for her and her fabulous brand.
– Beth
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