But how did she get started in business and where did her inspiration in fashion come from? Lulu told WorkLife “When I first started my handbag business I used to do everything, from designing, selling, press, I had to be adaptable and hands on. I started designing and making everything in my basement and it grew from there.
“I am inspired by everything and anything, vintage pieces, markets, travel, museum shops. Designing keeps me constantly busy and entertained because I know what I would like to wear, something glamorous and fun.
“I think a bag can make a whole outfit, like my Lips clutches which are a real talking point. I like to incorporate wit into my designs because I believe that you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously.”
On being asked about the biggest risk she’s ever taken, Lulu says: “Starting up your own business is always a risk, I nearly gave up about four times on the way here! There are always going to be lots of obstacles to overcome, you have to be incredibly determined and lucky to succeed. You also have to love what you do to make it all worthwhile.”
So, what’s next for Lulu Guinness? Lulu tells us: “We have so many exciting projects and plans coming up that it’s hard to remember them all! We have just launched our e-commerce site in the US, we’re launching a glamorous new Luggage line next year, opening shops in China and expanding into Asia.
“I am incredibly proud of where we are as a business and the fact that I am still here 21 years on.”
And, what delights await us for the summer? Lulu tells us: “We have some fantastic clutches for summer, lots of lovely brights, neons and floral prints. I always think you want something that makes you stand out from the crowd, a statement bag that is a real talking point.”
Amongst the fashionistas attending the event was actress Sue Jenkins whose son, heart throb actor and singer Richard Fleeshman bought Sue a Lulu Bag from Emma Stanworth’s Poshu Boutique in Whalley last year. Richard is in rehearsals at present in London for the ‘Legally Blonde’ production. Lulu signed Sue’s Lulu bag and matching purse.
Emma told us “Manchester was always the ‘second step’ for me, many of my customers travel from Manchester to Whalley to purchase from our designer collections available in store and I am delighted and honoured that Lulu Guinness has chosen our store as the one store she wishes to visit.”
Manchester’s dedicated followers hope to see more of Lulu around the city in the future as her 18 year old daughter, Tara, has chosen to study at Manchester University from September.
Emma welcomed another special guest to Poshu in Manchester earlier in the week when reigning Miss England, Katrina Hodge, the 23 year old Lance Corporal who represented the country in the last Miss World final in South Africa came to the boutique. The soldier was also awarded a commendation for bravery in Iraq.
Katrina came to choose some new designer shoes as Poshu is official shoe sponsor for Miss England. Also known as Combat Barbie, Katrina stepped up to launch a new style of beauty pageant for ‘Miss Poshu 2010.’
The competition gives one lucky lady the chance to win £1,000 of shoes from Poshu.
www.poshu.co.uk
28 - LIFE
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