What’s the subject of your talk for Vodafone London Fashion Weekend?
My speeches tend to be off the cuff and personal. I will most likely give a little insight into how I came to be a handbag designer and how to keep sane and grounded in the wonderfully crazy world of fashion.

Key tips / tidbits from your planned talk?
What’s to come for Lulu Guinness in 2014 including my 25th Anniversary and my exciting AW14 collection.

Advice for budding designers?
Success doesn't come overnight; you have to be patient and don't shy away from hard work. Make sure you know your brand inside out and think about its point of difference. It can be a tough market out there but there's always room for fresh, new ideas.

What have been your inspirations for SS14?
My whole SS14 collection is based on a modern twist on the traditional sweet shop. I have bags the shape of Brighton rock and lips clutches that resemble giant lemon sherbets.

Who are your designers to watch for 2014 and why?
Peter Pilotto is going to be big this year not just because of the collaboration with Target and winning the BFC/Vogue’s Fashion Fund, but also for the gorgeous silhouettes and exciting prints. Also J. JS Lee whose beautiful minimalist designs are just divine.

Favourite blogs and pins?
I’m such a huge fan of bloggers. I love what they’re all about. My favourites have to be Susie Bubble from Style Bubble for her eclectic British style and individuality NYC based blogger Nicolette Mason, who is really flying the flag for real women with real figures and Olivia Purvis from What Olivia Did, she's young and fresh but has such a great sense of style very reminiscent of the swinging sixties. In terms of Pinterest The Coveteur is a great one for fashion and lifestyle inspiration. Their shoots are always fab!

What’s in your bag?
My handbag essentials are a red lipstick and a compact mirror; you never know when you’ll need to reapply.

What are you reading at the moment?
I recently read Rainer Maria Rilke’s ‘Letters to a Young Poet’ 

What are you listening to?
Anything my daughters are playing on repeat. I quite like Lorde - Royals!

What’s your favourite accessory?
That would have to be my SS14 London Bag – you can carry the world in it!

What’s your fragrance?
Anything with Lily of the Valley in it...

What is your most recent purchase?
I recently went on a splurge in John Rocha. I tend to wear a lot of black so added a few more pieces to my collection.  

Couldn't live without
My two beautiful daughters Tara and Maddie