The Industry celebrates 25 years of designer Lulu

Taking a seat at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in front of The Industry’s esteemed network of members, Lulu will reveal to Hilary exactly how she built a brand so persuasive that even the most fashion nescient know who she is and what her handbags look like. Stocked everywhere from Harrods to House of Fraser, in locations as culturally diverse as New York and Tokyo, the Lulu Guinness mirror zip pull is recognised the world over.

Twenty-five years is no small feat, especially as an independent. The Florist Basket, one of Lulu’s first and most popular designs is currently housed in the permanent fashion collection in the V&A and her handbags are regularly exhibited in museums worldwide, including Sotheby’s in both London and New York.

In an industry where designers, celebrities and trends can come and go in a single season, how have Lulu’s playful designs defied the ethereal nature of fashion, survived the demise of the ‘it’ bag and surpassed their working purpose to become of the most cherished, collectable accessory brands on the market?

At a time when leather goods have become the fashion industry’s biggest money maker, Hilary will look at the way Lulu has capitalised on this highly lucrative revenue stream and how her keen sense of branding has guaranteed her independent business staying power in an industry controlled by luxury conglomerates.

“I’m honoured to be interviewing Lulu Guinness for The Industry’s upcoming meeting,” explains Hilary. “Lulu is one of Britain’s greatest accessory designers. She is the personification of her brand and her charismatic designs have truly stood the test of time, since she sold her first handbag 25 years ago. I’m looking forward to taking members into Lulu’s world.”

The Industry