Handbags at the ready as legend Lulu launches winter collection
Lulu Guinness pictured with the musical birdcage handbag at Brown Thomas in Dublin.
Thursday November 05 2009
IT was handbags at mid-morning as Lulu Guinness jetted into Dublin.
The inventive British designer with the signature red lipstick and Betty Boop-style eyelashes showcased her winter 2009 collection in Dublin's Brown Thomas store wearing a black satin blouse and pencil skirt.
Not many designers manage to bag an OBE for their endeavours, but Lulu is famous internationally for her iconic, witty handbags. She received the honour in 2006 although she rarely courts publicity for herself, letting her bags speak for themselves.
And they do.
From her funky latex lip clutches in shiny silver -- with the chrome clasps or the fab postbox red to her iconic London souvenir shop bags -- she has created a distinctive look without resorting to branding her goods with in-your-face logos. The LG collection has become a collectable worldwide.
The bags range in price from about €200 to €600, which would be mid-range for high-quality handbags.
"We deliver quality for the price," explained Lulu, who is celebrating 20 years on the fashion frontline.
"You can see the leather trim inside, the silk lining and the finish and fabrics are designed to last. The products have been evolving for 20 years and that gives them that authenticity and unique professional construction."
A fantastic gold-and-black birdcage bag with a real singing bird sits on the table along with a leopard-look tote made from cowhide.
Gurus
She works from her office in London and is very much involved in the design process and considered an ideal person to work for, unlike other fashion gurus.
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.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, special items and favourite icons from past seasons are incorporated into the collections. Many of the boxed purses are simple gift ideas with red stilettos and umbrellas emblazoned on the front.
For a more sophisticated customer the black patent cameo bag is a classic. The cameo concept also comes in a cotton velvet creation with a scarf-style bow on the side.
The Suzy is the undisputed key shape of the season, a luxurious and chic day-bag that comes in black or red leather, or for the glamour girl there is a beautiful leopard-print version with red lining.
Lulu's playful eye is evident with the suede Kooky Eyed Cat Clutch, with detachable strap and funny strapline -- "The Cat that caught the Cream" embroidered inside.
The London taxi bag is also a trophy satchel. Charm bracelets have chinked back into fashion with Lulu's stunning limited edition Collectable Charm Bracelet. It incorporates five miniature designs from the last 20 years.
The Lulu Guinness AW09 collection is available at Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Meanwhile, Warehouse launched its new collection yesterday. Model Lynn Kelly wore a sequin dress from the glamorous new collection.
- Kathleen O'Callaghan
Irish Independent
