Discover the magical place that inspired our SS23 season
When Lulu moved to her gothic Folly in deepest Gloucestershire she thought it would be temporary but she fell in love so deep with her new home and the countryside life that she made it permanent.
“At first I saw this place as a getaway”, says Lulu. “But I’ve moved on.” The Folly, a pentagonal, three-up-three-down perched on the rim of a sheep-dotted valley, is where she now lives and works.
So inspired and enchanted is she by its natural beauty, Lulu has made it the central theme for the SS23 collection – a celebration of the glorious English countryside, its pretty flowers and whimsical charm.
The collection begins, of course, with The Folly - a miniature version of her fantastical homestead. The original building is part of a Grade II listed farmhouse with distinct Gothic architectural features, set within a hillside of the Golden Valley near Stroud.
Our miniature take on the original building results in a pentagonal shaped collectible bag brimming with personality. It captures the elements of wonder and delight that Lulu likes to surround herself with. Growing and arranging flowers in vases on the window sills, as well as watching the sheep graze the pastures from the upper bedroom window, became Lulu’s favorite pastimes since she moved into the Folly. “This really is my happy place”, says Lulu. “I adore watching the lambs play and picking flowers from the meadow. That connection with the outdoors is so special and good for the soul!”
The bag is crafted from a coarse linen fabric, color-matched to shades of Cotswolds limestone and slate. The distinct architectural features were captured through layered appliqué and embroidery techniques. The magic is in the detail. Displayed in the windows we see Lulu’s collection of paper flowers and vintage vases, daffodils in the front, a Hollyhock in the back, as well as Climbing Roses adorning a swing seat at the rear and back entrance. Not forgetting the candelabras with candles, which are lit to seal the ambiance.
It has to be seen to be believed but this is a magical piece that you’ll treasure forever. “I hope people find The Folly as special as I do”, says Lulu.
