And from Wikipedia..

Lulu Guinness (born 1960) is a well-known British accessories fashion designer.

In 1989, Lulu designed her first handbag – a patent briefcase with lots of clear pockets and bright suede lining. The piece is sold through Liberty’s and Joseph in London. After this great success, Lulu begins designing handbags full time and opens an office and work studio in her home. She opens a collaborative store on Elizabeth Street in London with Selina Blow and the Jackson’s. In 1995, the first of her world famous collectable handbags is designed and called the ‘Original House’ with hand embroidery on black satin with a red suede roof.

The first Lulu Guinness stand-alone store is opened on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill. Small, but perfectly formed, the shop attracts favourite customers, Madonna and Jerry Hall. An office is opened simultaneously below the shop. She also starts selling to Far East companies including Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. Expanding quickly, 1998 sees Lulu join the Knightsbridge fleet, with a new shop opening in Ellis Street, just off Sloane Street and a New York store in Bleecker St in 2000. Quickly other accessory and design opportunities occur and Lulu starts designing hosiery and socks exclusively for the Japanese market. Lulu launches umbrellas, shoes, scarves, sunglasses and collaboration with The Rug Company, which ensures glamour girls around the world look to Lulu Guinness in their mission to be perfectly suited from head to toe. In 2003, Lulu holds an exhibition at Sotheby’s, London, celebrating her collectable limited edition along with her first limited edition fragrance. In the same year Lulu opens the first stand-alone shop in Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills.

2004 sees Lulu diversifying into a stationary range is launched for the US market and the first store opens in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur’s KLCC Isetan.

Over the following years, Lulu launches an optical range of glasses in the USA and collaborates with Stratton to make a small collection of compacts for the UK. The second stand-alone store opens in Japan in Osaka’s Nu Chyamachi building. Lulu’s first marketing campaign hits the streets of London in the form of 10 classic London taxis dressed in Lulu Guinness’ lilac with classic sayings. Lulu takes her customer to bed with the launch of her bed linen collection, exclusive at Harrods for the launch prior to distributing to other luxury retailers. Lulu opens the lower ground floor of her Ellis Street shop with a beautiful bed linen retail showcase.
2006 sees rapid growth and Lulu brings her sunglasses and optical range to London with a launch at Vision Express in Oxford Street. Lulu also launches an exciting luxury Italian handbag collection, called ‘Couture’. Exquisitely detailed modern day classic handbags made in leather and other sumptuous materials bring the real definition of luxury to the world of Lulu Guinness fans.

Lulu renovates her website - www.luluguinness.com - bringing customers the latest information on the brand, with special insight into the world of Lulu and a cool new shop online. Lulu designs and launches a small Couture costume jewellery collection with gold plated pearl and multi colour collars – a perfect mix of vintage chic plus Lulu’s wit. In the same year, Lulu is awarded an OBE from her Majesty the Queen, for her great contribution to British fashion.
In 2007, Lulu launched her mainline jewellery collection incorporating her signature lips and lipsticks into pendants and charms. As desirable as her handbags, celebrities and fashionistas are quickly seen adorned with Lulu's fabulous jewellery.

Lulu's luxurious bed linen range expands to beautifully embroidered silk cushions and throws, which are designed to be used to accessorize and style the entire home.
In the last year 2008, Lulu started a new Master License agreement with Itochu Corporation for Japan. In addition to continuing her already popular umbrellas, parasols, wallets, and handkerchiefs made especially for Japan, Lulu is very excited to launch gloves, belts, towels and jewellery for AW08. A garden party at the British Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the partnership with Itochu Corporation.

Lulu launches a new umbrella collection in conjunction with British manufacturer Fulton Ltd. Her glamorous and witty designs prove to be perfect for adorning umbrella canopies, becoming a "must have item" for 2008.

Labels: Lulu Guinness