Profile: Lulu de Kwiatkowski
by allthebest • 7 May ’08 • books, profile • 16 Comments
Like so many I have anxiously been awaiting the debut of famed textile designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski’s highly anticipated book Lulu featuring never before published artwork. Lulu is not only beautiful and talented, but she is a gifted and prolific artist.
The youngest of six children, Lulu’s childhood figures prominently into her artwork and design sensibility. Lulu’s father was a larger than life influence. He was a self-made industrialist who spoke twelve languages and was known to spontaneously fly his helicopter to pick up his children from their house in the Hamptons. Equally influential was her beautiful and fashionable mother, who frequently wore Pucci, and always encouraged Lulu to pursue her own imagination and sense of style.
Lulu’s art draws heavily from her 1970s childhood and travels to exotic locales. Her multi-media collages combine painting, drawing, photography and writing. “My childhood was a world of chintz and sorbet colored walls created for us by Sister Parish, whose whimsical designs proved to be very influential for me.”
These days she is busier than ever. In addition to her highly successful business and book tour, Lulu is expecting twin boys with her husband Alfredo Gilardini. We wish you all the best Lulu.
What did you enjoy most about working on your long awaited book?
The freedom. Most often when running a business, one is forced to think about the buyer or client when designing, what will sell, what colors work, which don’t.
With the collages, I was really free to do as I chose. If I felt a yellow duck belonged in the middle of the page, then I painted one in…no rules, no sales sheet, no questioning…I just did as I felt.
What inspires your creativity?
Nature, family, travel, romance, childhood memories.
Name one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I can do a back bend and hold onto my ankles…at least I could before I was pregnant with twins.
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Swimming in a clean crisp ocean
What is your most prized possession?
Our dog named Virgola…she is practically human and can almost speak Italian…really.
Who is your style icon?
My mother
Who would you most like to meet and how would you send the day?
I would like to meet my father’s parents who died in ww2 before I ever had a chance to meet them….anywhere would be fine with me.
How would you describe your personal style?
Even though I love color, I tend to wear mostly neutrals (mostly white) with a little splash of color and pattern here and there only….it’s very Lauren Hutton meets Kate Hudson in the film Almost Famous.
What is your idea of earthy happiness?
The sun warming my skin and the sound of the ocean.
Profile by Ronda Carman
I am waiting for my copy. I can’t wait to see her artwork. Thank you for the profile.
I’m sure you will love it Jamie.
How exciting! I am a Lulu fan
Your interview makes me like her even more. Her childhood must have been unbelievable. Have you seen the book?
Laura I’m waiting for my copy to arrive…I’ve only seen a pdf version.
Me too Carolina!
Beautiful collages!
All The Best! Hello!
I’m happy to see your post on Lulu! I actually used to work at Lulu DK! (up until a month ago – and i miss them all!!) I was invited to Lulu’s book launch and i posted some photos of the event on my blog – as well as a link to Todd France’s portfolio showing tons of photos from the night!
My blog is lvliving.blogspot.com if you’d like to have a look!!
And it is just a fabulous book!! Ive had the pleasure of looking through and reading it already!! Just waiting for my copy now too! ha!
Very Best, Lauren
I had no idea she had such an interesting childhood!
Hi Lauren! Thank you for your comment. I just went to your blog…how wonderful!!!
I didn’t either Suzy!! It sounds so wonderful.
HI Ronda,
I enjoyed learning more about Lulu – great interview! I have admired her work since I first saw her apartment about 9 years ago in Elle Decor and added it to my tear sheets. I love her eclectic style and use of color.
Your interview makes her all the more real!
I like her even more than I already do.
Another great profile Ronda. She is so beautiful and kind in person. Love the Lauren Hutton-meets-Kate Hudson analogy
You will not be disapointed by the book. I got my (signed!) copy on Wednesday night and think it is spectacular.
she has so much talent and sh is very gifted