It has been a landmark year for two sisters from Harrogate who have celebrated an extraordinary run of awards, national recognition, and meaningful collaborations.

Luce and Bear, an independent fashion brand founded by sisters Clare and Lucy Bulmer, began the year by being selected as winners of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday Award, receiving their certificate in person from the TV Dragon at the annual winners’ event in Birmingham.

The accolade placed Luce and Bear among a select group of innovative and inspiring small businesses from across the United Kingdom.

Building on that success, the sisters were crowned Best Women’s Style in Yorkshire at the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards, one of the UK’s most respected awards platforms for independent businesses, reaching over 11 million people nationally.

placeholder image — It has been a landmark year for Luce and Bear, an independent fashion brand founded by sisters Clare and Lucy Bulmer from Harrogate, who have celebrated an extraordinary run of awards, national recognition, and meaningful collaborations

The awards celebrate the most unique and brilliant local businesses across the country, and recognised Luce and Bear’s bold and empowering approach to fashion and design.

The brand’s momentum continued on a national stage when Luce and Bear received a Judges’ Commendation at the Woman Who Achieves Awards 2025, celebrating their business journey, community impact, and future vision.

The judges praised the sisters' positivity, infectious enthusiasm and ability to uplift others.

Alongside these accolades, 2025 also saw Luce and Bear invited to create a special commemorative design for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s 25th Anniversary – a collaboration close to the sisters’ hearts and one they describe as a huge honour.

Clare Bulmer, Co-Founder of Luce and Bear, said: “It’s honestly been the most incredible year.

“From meeting Theo Paphitis, to winning regional and national awards, and being trusted to design for such an important Yorkshire charity.

“We just feel incredibly grateful.”

Founded on humour, resilience, and true Yorkshire grit, Luce and Bear is known for creating feel-good clothing and accessories that make people smile, even on tough days.

Their signature Healing Hoodie features the symbolic SOS (Story of Sisters) design, inspired by Lucy’s ongoing battle with late-stage Lyme Disease, and has become a powerful emblem of strength for many customers.

Clare added: “None of this would have been possible without our customers.

“The support we’ve received online, at pop-ups, and from our local community, has been overwhelming – this year really belongs to them as much as it does to us.

“We strongly believe in good old fashioned customer service and that laughter really is the best medicine.

"We would like to thank our amazing customers for backing our little brand and believing in what we do.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the sisters plan to continue growing their loyal community, launching new designs, and attending more of their much-loved pop-up events across Yorkshire - continuing their mission to spread smiles through their uplifting designs.

As they raise a toast to this exceptional year, it's evident they have firmly established Luce and Bear as one of Yorkshire's most exciting independent brands.

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