Yesterday Retro Chick got the chance to peek at the Lulu Guinness Holiday Resort 2009 collection. The “London Calling” Collection.

The collection is inspired by her love for London and uses classic London icons incorporated into prints, clutches and purses with Lulu’s classic wit and quirky, whimsical style.

As well as the adorable kitschy pieces there are more classic styles. Bags perfect for day in royal blue crocodile print leather, with a lipstick keyring zip pull and, my favourite, the black satin Pollyanna clutch which has a classic 50s feel, updated with a chunky perspex frame.

Lulu’s iconic lips clutch has been designed for this season with a new Union Jack print and I think I pretty much want one in every colour. Though the Swarovski crystal encrusted design probably needs a more glamorous occasion than I’m likely to be attending anytime soon.

I also got the chance to see the stunning one of a kind Automated Birdcage Bag. Designed in collaboration with animatronics and special effects designer Adam Wright, the bag was created to celebrate Lulu’s 20th Anniversary and the launch of her Accessories/Artefact Design MA scholarship at the London College of Fashion.

I was very excited to have it demonstrated to me by Lulu herself, who obviously, and understandably, loves to show it off. In real life it is truly magical to see. It works as handbag with a tiny drawer for your lipstick and cab fare and a mirror in the lid, but when in action the tiny bird tweets, flaps and bobs in a truly enchanting way. It’s worth checking out the video to see it in action, but it can’t possibly live up to the reality

This particular bag is not for sale, sadly, (though even if it was I suspect it would be a little out of my budget) but Birdcage bags are available in Lulu Guinness stores and a day bag version will be available in Autumn Winter 2009.