British designer Nicola Woods, the Founder and Creative Director of Beautiful Soul, turned to fashion later in life after a longstanding corporate career.
After working in a fast-paced career in corporate insurance for 11 years, Nicola took a sabbatical to travel globally and on this journey, she began to envision her career path from a different point of view - one with endless opportunities. Whilst in Tokyo, surrounded by boutiques, feeling mesmorised, excited and inspired, Nicola realised that she needed to make radical changes to her lifestyle and revisit her childhood ambition of design.
Returning to London, she trained at the London College of Fashion, earning a BA(Hons) in Fashion, Design and Technology (Creative Pattern Cutter) in 2008. Nicola launched her luxury womenswear label, Beautiful Soul, in November of that same year.
Comprehending the impact that the fashion industry alone has on our environment, Nicola is delving below the surface of fashion, discovering new ways to incorporate responsibility through use of distinctive materials, adding exclusivity and a spirit of conversation.
Nicola understands the balance and reconciliation between fashion, style and sustainability. She is committed to a conscious approach to fabric sourcing and environmental impact and is committed to local, UK-based production. Beautiful Soul's collections have a strong emphasis placed on longevity, multi-function and adjustability.
Nicola is a perfectionist and her attention to detail and standards of quality are superior.
Nicola was appointed to the judging panel for the WGSN Global Fashion Awards (2011), judging entries in the sustainable and ethical category. She has also been appointed as an Ambassador of the International Ethical Fashion Forum and was short-listed for the Hospital Club 100 Award 2010 in association with The Independent newspaper.
Nicola is developing Beautiful Soul as a major international label, whilst maintaining her strong commitment to transparency. Taking responsibility for the planet is not a trend, it is the only way forward and it takes innovative, pioneering individuals like Nicola Woods to make these changes.
Nicola shares her knowledge and experience with emerging creative talents to garner collective recognition. As a lone player, change is difficult to influence, but individuals acting as a unified force can make change tangible.
“Nicola's commitment to fabric sourcing, environmental impact and social justice in her fashion collection is truly remarkable. She taught me a lot about all of these things and I am full of admiration for her ” Livia Firth
