In an industry saturated by fleeting trends and mass production, one Leicester-born fashion label is quietly redefining the rules—and gaining international attention along the way.
Founded in September 2024, Rose & Nancy is a modern bohemian brand that’s as much a tribute to craftsmanship as it is a vision for sustainable style. And at the heart of it all is founder Louisa Randall, whose personal story and professional journey are helping put Leicester back on the map for all the right reasons. The label takes its name from the founder’s grandmothers – Rose and Nancy- who first introduced her to the world of textiles.
Picture: Louisa Randall
“I literally used to sit with Nancy for hours, knitting and sewing. She taught me the physical craft. And Rose, based in London, had all these beautifully embroidered pieces – I was mesmerised by the detail,” she tells Pukaar.
This legacy of hands-on creativity now runs through every garment the brand produces. From artisan embroidery to intricate embellishments, Rose & Nancy is built on a foundation of considered, high-quality craftsmanship. It’s a direct contrast to the throwaway nature of fast fashion—a movement the brand firmly stands apart from.
Picture credit: Rose & Nancy
After an 18-year career as a senior buyer for Next, the founder made the bold decision to step away from corporate life and launch her own business. “It was a massive leap of faith,” she admits. “There were moments of real fear, especially during the early days. But the passion always outweighed the uncertainty.”
Her experience in buying and production—combined with deep- rooted relationships with ethical manufacturers—has allowed Rose & Nancy to bring to market a premium product at a more accessible price point. “Brands like Anthropologie sell dresses for £300. We’re producing just as much quality and detail, but at around £90 to £100,” she reveals.
Rose & Nancy’s tagline is clear: “Boho reimagined for the modern wardrobe.” Think feminine silhouettes, flowing maxi dresses, velvet partywear, artisan fringe jackets, and hand-painted prints—pieces that feel luxe, wearable, and timeless.
Picture credit: Rose & Nancy
“Boho can sometimes feel stuck in a ’70s time warp,” says Louisa.
“We focus more on the carefree spirit, softness, and femininity. It’s bohemian, but with polish.“
Celebrities like Sienna Miller and Lisa Snowdon are cited as muses. And with seasonal collections offering everything from laid-back cottons in summer to luxurious velvets and sparkle for Christmas, the brand is quickly gaining a reputation for statement pieces that are actually wearable.
One Canadian customer even described finding the perfect Rose & Nancy outfit for her son’s wedding after searching “everywhere.”
Though the brand only recently celebrated its first birthday (September 13), its growth trajectory has been impressive. Rose & Nancy now retails through high-profile platforms like Wolf & Badger and The Reflective in the US, with plans underway to launch on SilkFred and potentially partner with Next—a full-circle moment for the founder.
Boutiques across the UK are stocking the collection, and importantly, they’re placing repeat orders. “That’s when you know it’s working,” Louisa shares. “Customers are responding to the detail, the quality, the wearability.”
Picture credit: Rose & Nancy
The team remains small, with much of the growth coming through word of mouth, organic influencer support, and pop-up shops, including upcoming shows like Woman & Home Live in London.
Leicester has had a complex reputation in the fashion world, especially in light of recent scandals around unethical manufacturing. But brands like Rose & Nancy are rewriting that narrative.
“We’re proud to be based in Leicester and to be doing something ethical and thoughtful,” she explains. “There are so many great people in the city like Jenny Holloway (Fashion Enter) and SallyAnn Kirk (Leicester Fashion District) doing brilliant work. It’s exciting to be part of that.”
The brand works closely with local institutions like De Montfort University and Leicester College, offering placements to young fashion students and helping to cultivate the next generation of talent. “It’s great to give something back and stay connected to the roots of the industry here.”
As the brand looks to its second year, the mission is clear: refine, grow, and stay true to its values.
Picture credit: Rose & Nancy
“We’re at a stage now where we need to hone in on what really works and build on that. One of my friends, a brand consultant, told me: ‘Don’t grow like a hedge—grow like a tree.’ That really stuck with me,” says Louisa.
Her advice to others considering their own leap? “Go for it. But be prepared to constantly reflect, adapt, and listen to your customer. You can’t be too tunnel- visioned.”
Above all, she says, “You’ve got to love what you do. That’s the only way you’ll have the stamina to keep going.”
And with that love—handed down from Rose and Nancy—this thoughtful, modern label is not only building a business, but also helping reshape Leicester’s legacy in the fashion world, one beautifully crafted piece at a time.
To find out more, visit: www.roseandnancy.com
