Beautiful Soul, the luxury womenswear label sources vintage kimono fabrics and creates  stunning, highly wearable design pieces. We met up with Nicola Woods, Beautiful Soul's creative force at London Fashion Week's Estethica exhibition, to discover more about this upcoming design talent and find out about her own beautiful soul.

HAVE WE SPIED A NEW DIRECTION FOR YOUR COLLECTION?

Nicola: I set myself a new brief and a new concept every season, which allows my signature style to evolve. I believe in challenging myself and keeping an open mind. I am confident that you will see another side to Beautiful Soul next season this Spring Summer. I am excited.

IT'S A LUCKY LADY WHO WEARS YOUR STYLES. DESCRIBE HER...

Nicola: Unique, without being overstated. Spirited and self assured.

WHAT MAKES BEAUTIFUL SOUL SO UNIQUE?

Nicola: Individuality is a key factor in Beautiful Soul’s design process. Women these days aren’t taken in by throwaway fashion, and seek to buy and wear clothes that are unique and timeless. The use of vintage Japanese kimonos offers exclusivity to the wearer.

Beautiful Soul’s pieces are directional and elegant, but it is their multi-functionality that renders the garments timeless. The garments adjust and can be worn in a multitude of ways to suit different moods and seasons.

Furthermore, garment adjustability is key to Beautiful Soul’s design ethos, which offers a versatility that is determined by change in body contours. I believe this is important to a women, as her favourite piece can be cherished for a lifetime.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE IN YOUR A/W COLLECTION?

Nicola: I have been wearing a different piece every day during London Fashion Week. I am enjoying the Suzu and Ko Sleeve Jackets and equally the Hana Jacket. These pieces are all made from vintage Japanese kimonos and are exclusive to the wearer. I love being original, and working as a designer who is passionate about fabric.

I am also very attached to the ruby red coats, they are made from British wool, sourced from Izzy Lane and are lined with organic jacquard, sourced from Lucy Tammam... the fabric combination is scrumptious!

WHO IS YOUR STYLE ICON?

Nicola: A cross between Audrey Hepburn, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Paloma Faith. Also, I have recently fallen in love with Gabby Young (Singer/Songwriter). She is incredible. Quirky and classic rolled into one.

YOUR FIRST FASHION MEMORY WAS...

Nicola: I remember writing to ‘Jim’ll fix it’ to make me a fashion designer! Life has twists and turns; My wish has finally become a reality.

HAVE YOU A FAVOURITE PLACE FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION:

Nicola: A place where my karma is calm.

Thanks Nicola for sharing your Beautiful Soul. The photographs used in this interview are Beautiful Soul's upcoming collection for Autumn Winter. To view this label's current collection and discover their latest news, please visit Beautiful Soul's website.