Lulu Guinness, Designer

Loves

The Tassen Museum in Amsterdam The Museum of Bags and Purses is a unique museum with a collection covering the Western bag that ranges from the 16th century through to present. It's the only museum in the world that has an extensive and specialised bag collection. My bags are on exhibition there now.

Music I am currently listening to Little Boots and Florence and the Machine – both have been great supporters of my Lips clutch bags and I love their music. I think there is a lot of interesting new, young talent in the industry at the moment.

London I love it for its diversity and originality. My Holiday Resort 2009 collection is inspired by the best bits of London, from our black cabs to the vast selection of culture.

Creativity Especially from our art and design students, they constantly inspire me with their fashion forward ideas. We set up a scholarship this year in light of this, called the Lulu Guinness Scholarship for MA Accessories/Artefact Design at Cordwainers at London College of Fashion. I work closely with the London College of Fashion and I'm always keen to think of inventive ways we can support the college and their students.

Textiles and crafts I collect embroideries, prints and unusual artefacts for my home. I am constantly looking for new inspiration and beautiful objects. Travelling and fairs are a good place to source objects, my bags have always been traditionally inspired by textiles and embroidery. I actually created a technique whereby I print on canvas, I then highlight key areas with appliqué embroidery and thread work to create more depth.

Loathes

Jeans I have never worn jeans or trousers throughout my life. I find that they have never supported my body shape, and have always adopted the 1950s dress and skirt option, which compliment my figure. Moschino are great for this and I also buy made to measure dresses for myself in Japan, I can then design and choose exactly what I like.

Smoking I am desperately trying to quit, and it seems to be an existential battle! Perhaps it can be my new year's resolution.

Travelling Delayed flights are painful especially when returning from a business trip. I like Terminal 5 Heathrow, I find it clean and uncomplicated, they also have great shopping for last-minute buys. The Harrods store has a great mix of affordable designers, if I need to buy gifts to take with me for friends.

Negativity I think one should always be positive in life, and look to find the good out of the bad. There is no excuse to be negative and especially if it affects those around you. Also your approach to work and everyday life really changes if you start the day with positive thoughts.

London's congestion charge A very unnecessary law that should be abolished; it is expensive and defeats its purpose.