By Nicalate Simpson, Founder & Creative Director
Hello, my name is Nicki, and I’m the founder of TweedLaBel. This brand is more than fashion—it’s a story of survival, purpose, and timeless identity. Built from my love of style and shaped by some of the hardest moments in my life, TweedLaBel represents confidence that’s earned, elegance that lasts, and beauty that isn’t just worn—it’s lived.
Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams
I was born in Jamaica and raised by my aunt. From an early age, I found myself drawn to fashion. I used to cut up old sheets and curtains to make clothes for my dolls—not knowing exactly what I was doing, just knowing I loved to create. At age 11, I moved to the UK to live with my father. It was a huge transition, but it laid the foundation for the life I’d begin building years later.
When I moved to London as a young adult, I knew I didn’t want a traditional path. I enrolled in the London College of Fashion, and for the first time, I felt truly aligned with my purpose. I didn’t just want to work in fashion—I wanted to create something that reflected who I was: bold, feminine, timeless, and intentional.
From Beauty Rooms to Boutique Success
Before launching my brand, I worked as a beauty therapist and shot girl in the West End. That work introduced me to luxury spaces and high-profile events—where I developed a deep admiration for classic, structured fashion. I was captivated by the silhouettes, the craftsmanship, and the quiet power of garments designed to last.
But I noticed a gap. While brands like Chanel set the standard for timeless design, they were out of reach for many women—myself included. I couldn’t find that balance of beauty, structure, and affordability in the market.
So I created it.
The Birth of TweedLaBel
In 2021, I launched TweedLaBel, a womenswear label dedicated to reimagining tweed for the modern woman. Within months, the brand was picked up by Wolf & Badger, featured in stores, and included in a Marylebone High Street pop-up, where it became the best-selling brand in the shop. Our pieces sold out. The response was incredible.
But behind the scenes, I was silently battling Lupus—an autoimmune disease that began changing my appearance rapidly. My face and skin were affected in ways that deeply impacted my confidence and mental health. I became withdrawn. I spent long periods in bed, overwhelmed by anxiety and depression.
I underwent several medical stem cell and fat transfer procedures to help restore my face and regain a sense of wholeness. It was physically and emotionally exhausting. The business, despite its early success, came to a halt. I stepped away completely—without realising just how much I was losing.
Loss, Shutdown, and Grief
In December 2023, I was finally ready to give TweedLaBel my full focus again. But just weeks later, tragedy struck. My father, who raised me and shaped the woman I am, was hospitalized with sepsis. He fell into a coma and remained on life support for three months. I stayed by his side every chance I had, watching him fade, helpless to stop it.
In the final weeks of his life, we prepared for his passing- His return to Jamaica, and the goodbye no one ever wants to say. It was devastating. He wasn’t just my father. He was the most important person in my life.
After he passed, I collapsed emotionally. For nearly a year, I couldn’t work. My Lupus flared, my heart ached constantly, and I shut down completely. During that time, I didn’t open mail, I didn’t check on the company, and I missed the official filings required to keep the business active.
TweedLaBel was closed.
The Rebirth
In February 2025, I made a decision. With grief still heavy in my chest but hope starting to flicker again, I reopened TweedLaBel. I registered the company again. I started building from scratch—not because it was easy, but because it mattered.
I know now that this brand is more than clothing. It’s a vessel for my voice. It’s my tribute to my father. It’s proof that elegance can rise from the ashes of hardship, and that women can reclaim themselves through style, storytelling, and strength.
What TweedLaBel Stands For
TweedLaBel is not just fashion—it’s philosophy. We create small-batch collections of tailored tweed pieces designed to be timeless, versatile, and deeply flattering. Our mission is to bring classic structure into the lives of modern women—without compromise.
Each piece is wrapped with intention. Each collection is limited, not mass-produced. We do one thing, and we do it exceptionally well: Tweed.
When you wear TweedLaBel, I want you to feel seen, styled, and quietly powerful.
A Final Word
I’ve learned that success is not a straight line. Sometimes, it takes breaking apart to rebuild better. TweedLaBel is my rebuild. It’s my offering to every woman who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or like she had to choose between elegance and identity.
I’m not here to chase trends. I’m here to build legacy. And I’m just getting started.
With love,
Nicalate Simpson
Founder, TweedLaBel
