Harrogate sisters' independent fashion brand wins prestigious Muddy Stilettos Award for second year running

Clare and Lucy Bulmer, founders of Luce and Bear, were crowned winners in the Best Fashion & Interiors category at the 2026 Yorkshire Muddy Stilettos Awards, having previously won Best Women’s Style in Yorkshire in 2025.

The Muddy Stilettos Awards, now in their 12th year, celebrate outstanding independent businesses across the United Kingdom.

This year’s awards attracted nearly half a million nominations and votes across 21 lifestyle categories and reached more than 11 million people nationwide.

Following their win, the sisters attended the Yorkshire Winners’ Drinks at Holdsworth House near Halifax, where they collected their winner’s certificate and celebrated alongside fellow award-winning businesses from across the county.

They also met Hero Brown, founder of Muddy Stilettos, whose mission to champion independent businesses continues to shine a spotlight on thousands of local companies across the country.

Clare Bulmer said: “We’re absolutely thrilled.

“Winning last year was amazing, but to win a Muddy Award for the second year running is just incredible.

"There are so many brilliant businesses doing great things across Yorkshire, so to be recognised for the second time is huge for our small brand.

"It was such a lovely evening meeting so many inspiring business owners, raising a glass together and celebrating everything that's great about Yorkshire's independent businesses.”

Luce and Bear has built a loyal following through its feel-good casual clothing and quirky accessories, combining Yorkshire humour with uplifting messages and meaningful storytelling.

The business has enjoyed a remarkable run of success over the past two years.

Alongside back-to-back Muddy Stilettos victories, the sisters have received a Small Business Award from Theo Paphitis, the Judges’ Choice Award at the national Woman Who Achieves Awards, and were recently named finalists in the Family Business category at the prestigious Enterprise Vision Awards after attending a Westminster reception at the House of Lords.

The latest accolade means Luce and Bear has now collected four major awards in just 18 months, an achievement that reflects the continued support of customers and the growing recognition of the sisters’ uplifting Yorkshire brand.

Despite the growing list of accolades, the sisters remain focused on what matters most.

Lucy Bulmer added: “Our customers are the reason we’re here.

“Every order, every lovely comment and every person who stops by our stand at a Show means so much to us.

"We just want to say a huge thank you for all the local support – we're really grateful.

"We're currently in the middle of a very busy show season and love getting out and about across Yorkshire.

"We love the agricultural and country shows because they celebrate everything we love; community, tradition, local businesses, and everyone coming together for a really good day out.”

For more information about Luce and Bear, visit www.luceandbear.co.uk