Based in Leicestershire, Rose & Nancy is a new ethical fashion brand that offers a fresh take on boho style for the modern wardrobe.
The brand, founded by industry expert Louisa Randall, combines responsibly sourced fabrics with unique designs inspired by vintage aesthetics, offering customers a stylish yet ethical alternative to fast fashion.
We caught up with Louisa to find out more about the launch of the collection.
What inspired the start of the new brand, Rose & Nancy?
Creating a brand was what I’d always wanted to do and after many years in the industry as a fashion buyer, I gained the experience and courage to take the leap and start something of my own.
Rose & Nancy was started in 2023 with a vision to reinvent boho fashion to have a more accessible, contemporary, and versatile character, whilst maintaining all the detail and intricacies of the craft involved.
How important is it to you that you’re known as an ethical fashion brand?
Extremely important – I am proud that I work hand in hand with my select factories to deliver on this. After many years of working alongside them, I have the assurance on fair working practices, quality, and ethics. I have seen a lot of poor working practices in the industry through my career – but also a lot of good – and I really believe that the relationship with manufacturer and understanding of process and a fair view when it comes to cost – is what sets apart the good and bad. I am also very hopeful that through businesses like mine and all the other brilliant fashion initiatives in Leicester at the moment – such as the great work of ‘Leicester Fashion District’ and at DMU – we can put Leicester fashion on the map in a very positive light.
Tell us about your journey as a designer?
A lifelong passion for textiles, detail and craft started early on – happy memories of sewing, embroidery, and knitting, with my two Grandmas, Rose Randall and Nancy Russell teaching and nurturing the craft – reminding me there is always an alternative to fast and throwaway clothing through beautiful, considered, and well-crafted design.
My design background is in textiles, and I apply that with the help of other brilliant fashion and print designers to create special pieces.
I love to work collaboratively with these designers both UK and overseas – the best ideas are those that are created as a team.
Who are some of your other favourite designers?
I am forever inspired by home grown talent UK designers – I love Temperley, Erdem, and Tove – their latest collections are stunning (check them out on Vogue.com – its free and gives you a great insight into both designer collections and street style.)
However, I can’t forget to mention some other global based brands that are high on the list of favourites – Chloe have been pivotal in bringing back the Boho aesthetic and Ulla Johnson and Zimmerman are forever delivering on beautiful, aspirational ranges.
Leicester has a lot of history and heritage in the fashion industry, are you proud of your roots being from the city?
Absolutely – I moved here 18 years ago and love that I am still discovering so many new things – I am lucky enough to be based in the city centre with all the buzz of the city around me day to day.
Textile heritage here is always inspiring. I think it is important to remember and channel into this heritage as a source of inspiration – I often go for walks in the city centre and find all sorts of inspiration whether it’s at the New Walk Museum, the market, or the Lanes vintage stores.
How would you most like to see Rose & Nancy being described?
A versatile, feminine, and aspirational brand with a Boho spirit for the modern woman.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
Can I have two please?! Our ‘Scarlett’ beaded fringe jacket for the WOW factor – and the ‘Talia’ Boho maxi dress in the burgundy wine colour of the season and eternally flattering cut.
If you could choose any celebrity to be a brand ambassador in Rose & Nancy who would it be?
If I could morph Kate Moss and Sienna Miller that would be perfection!
Where can people shop the collection?
Roseandnancy.com
And we are also looking for any boutique stockists too now we’ve launched – watch this space
You can also keep up to date with Rose & Nancy on Instagram @roseandnancy.
