How it started, how it endured - discover the history of Lulu's most loved design
Some things just feel right. Like The Lulu Lip. As Lulu herself said: “When I thought of our lips clutch I was almost annoyed I hadn't thought of it sooner; it seems so obvious now!”
It’s true, given how, along with her vintage style, Lulu was always known for her own striking red lips - whatever the occasion. “My red lips are my signature, my trademark,” she says. So translating them into a clutch was only a matter of time.
Citing surrealist influences such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí, Lulu said it took two to three years of tweaking to get the lips just right: the right shape, the right amount of padding, and so on. The first rendition? A fiery-red snakeskin number that’s pleasingly squishy made its debut in 2004. The first Perspex style (Lulu was really inspired by artist Jeff Koons on this one) followed in 2008 and cemented the Lips’ status as an enduring icon.
Thanks to its pop-art-meets-surrealist shape and dazzling array of colours and finishes over the years, the lip has attracted a devoted following, from Beyoncé and Kate Moss to Alexa Chung, Agyness Deyn and Helena Bonham-Carter, amongst others.
Citing surrealist influences such as Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí, Lulu said it took two to three years of tweaking to get the lips just right: the right shape, the right amount of padding, and so on. The first rendition? A fiery-red snakeskin number that’s pleasingly squishy made its debut in 2004. The first Perspex style (Lulu was really inspired by artist Jeff Koons on this one) followed in 2008 and cemented the Lips’ status as an enduring icon.
Not one to sit still for long, Lulu was keen to keep reinventing her now signature style. Standout versions include 2010’s Union Jack style (very Spice Girls), 2015’s swirly psychedelic number and the Mirror Perspex Lips to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary in 2014. Fast forward to now and, for AW23 we introduced the ultimate party piece - the Lulu Red Glitter Lips Clutch, with a fine glittery finish. And for Spring 24, brides can walk the aisle with the Pearl Lips Clutch. An iconic way to say "I do!"
Thanks to its pop-art-meets-surrealist shape and dazzling array of colours and finishes over the years, the lip has attracted a devoted following, from Beyoncé and Kate Moss to Alexa Chung, Agyness Deyn and Helena Bonham-Carter, amongst others.
Whichever style you choose, the Lips Clutch is playful, standout, a sure-fire talking point (which was definitely the aim) and, perhaps most importantly, so fun to carry. It feels like the sort of the bag that’s willing you to have a memorable time when you grab it and go.
