Meet our House of Lulu campaign model – the unstoppable Lucan Gillespie
She shares the initials LG, was scouted in Waitrose in Putney when she was just 12, and had a career-defining Mia Farrow haircut at the request of Miuccia Prada aged 19. A life less ordinary doesn’t even to begin to cover it.
With her striking features and effortless elegance, Lucan has had fashion houses falling over each other to snap her up from day one, with Louis Vuitton scooping her up to her walk exclusively on its catwalk, campaign shoots for Dior and Miu Miu, and her first editorial shoot photographed by the legendary Tim Walker for Vogue.
This season, we’re delighted to welcome her into the House of Lulu - a world of fancy-free style, playful glamour and iconic accessories. The captivating model and etymologist (more on that later…) has a unique style and creative spirit that embody everything we love at Lulu Guinness.
In this exclusive Q&A, we get to know Lucan beyond the camera lens—exploring her inspirations, career journey, and, of course, her love for handbags. From the first bag she ever owned to what she carries in her Lulu Guinness staple, Lucan shares her take on the power of accessories, personal style, and what it means to be part of the House of Lulu.
Q: How did you first get into modelling, and what has your journey been like so far?
A: I was scouted a few weeks before my 13th birthday whilst grocery shopping with my mum. 6 months later I booked my first job with Tim Walker for his Somerset House Storyteller exhibition and I’ve been lucky enough to be working ever since!
Q: Can you describe some of your ‘pinch me’ moments, perhaps the haircut moment at Miu Miu?!
A: I’ve been fortunate to have had so many pinch me moments in my career so far however cutting my hair for Miu Miu has probably been the most impactful! Going from hair I could sit on to a Mia Farrow inspired pixie as my first real chop was totally transformative both physically & mentally! Rosemary’s Baby is a film I adore so being introduced to Roman Polanski by Miuccia Prada was pretty surreal! Another big moment for me was my first ever runway show - I was a world wide exclusive for Louis Vuitton and travelled to Paris for the first time with my mum! I love to travel so having the opportunity to visit new places through this career always feels special to me! One of my favourite places I’ve shot at was Death Valley in the USA! Working with people I’ve admired in the industry like Grace Coddington, Tim Walker & Nick Knight have also given me major pinch me moments!!
Q: Can you tell us more about your work as an entomologist? It’s very cool that you volunteer at the Natural History Museum…
A: Growing up I’ve always been torn between my creative and scientific interests. Covid allowed me some time to explore other avenues and realise I had a huge fascination with insects!! For the last two years I’ve been volunteering in the incredible Coleoptera (Beetles) Department at the Natural History Museum alongside modelling/acting. Getting to learn from the team there how to preserve specimens for future generations and see all the important work they’re doing behind the scenes has been so eye opening for me! I’ve even handled specimens collected by Charles Darwin!!
Q: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
A: Eclectic, colourful and quirky! I’m always on the lookout for a unique piece that brings me/others joy!
Q: What’s in your bag right now? Any everyday essentials you can’t live without?
A: My camera, glasses, insect collecting tubes, keys, wallet, lip balm, lipstick, mints & mini perfume
Q: Lulu Guinness is known for its playful yet sophisticated designs—what’s your favourite piece?
A: I loved discovering the hidden details in many of the bags whilst shooting - particularly the egg at the bottom of the birds nest!
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to express themselves through fashion?
A: Trust your instincts on the pieces that speak to you no matter if they’re on trend or not. I have so many items I bought in my teens that I still wear now and I know will always love/come back to!
Q: What has been your favourite moment from working on the House of Lulu campaign?
A: I loved the atmosphere everyone contributed to on set! The whole day was so fun-filled and high energy which is always my favourite way to shoot! Getting to play around with Charlotte-Rose in our house interacting with all the props brought out a lot of laughter and made for a memorable day!
Q: You share the same initials with Lulu Guinness - do you think it's a kindred spirit thing?!
A: 100% - we even share a middle name! I’ve always appreciated the joyful designs of Lulu’s bag’s and the care taken over their details, so the added benefit of sharing a monogram and that subtle feeling of personalisation has always drawn me closer to the brand!
Q: You own quite a few Lulu bags, which are your favourites and why?
A: My favourite animal since I was young has been a flamingo, so after seeing Lulu had a collection with them on I tracked down a bag that I’ll always have a fondness for! I just got some kitten heels with LG monogrammed chocolates on that I can’t wait to wear this summer!!
Q: Do you have any special memories of carrying your Lulu bag?
A: I recently attended a Brit Awards afterparty with one of my Lulu bags which was a pretty special evening! I also took my Lulu french beret coin purse to the South of France last summer to hold my euros.
