How Laura Weir Is Reshaping The Future Of British Fashion

Laura Weir stands at the heart of British fashion, a creative force defined by bold reinvention and unparalleled innovation. From reimagining the pages of ES Magazine to transforming Selfridges into a cultural phenomenon, Weir’s journey has been nothing short of revolutionary. Now, as the newly appointed CEO of the British Fashion Council (BFC), she faces her greatest challenge yet: reshaping Britain’s fashion identity on the global stage.

Editor-in-chief of ES magazine

At ES Magazine, Weir proved herself a visionary. As Editor-in-Chief, she masterminded a full-scale reinvention of the publication, infusing it with a sharp, modern aesthetic that resonated with contemporary audiences. Under her leadership, the magazine earned the prestigious title of National Magazine of the Year in 2019 at the News Awards, with her work praised for "stimulating innovation" and "superb quality." Collaborating with icons like Bay Garnett, who kicked things off with a Rachel Weisz cover merging cultural depth with high fashion, Weir demonstrated her talent for capturing the zeitgeist without losing an elevated editorial edge.

But Weir didn’t stop at glossy covers—she transformed ES Magazine into a platform that engaged with relevant cultural moments. Tributes to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the 7/7 bombings sparked important conversations and left a lasting impression.

Executive Creative Director at Selfridges

Weir’s subsequent move to Selfridges was nothing short of audacious. In January 2023, she stepped into the role of Executive Creative Director at Selfridges, trading print media for an entirely new creative playground. Her mission? To revolutionize what luxury means in the 21st century. Spoiler: She succeeded. By blending cultural engagement, sustainability, and high-concept design, she turned Selfridges into a retail experience unlike any other. Selfridges evolved into a space where shopping intertwined art, community, and commerce. In every step, Weir showed that retail could transcend mere transactions—it could become transformative.

Her influence extends far beyond individual roles, rooted in her steadfast commitment to fostering change. For nearly a decade, she’s been a vocal advocate for change behind the scenes, serving on the press committee of the British Fashion Council. Whether advising institutions like the BAFTA or building brand-cause connections at Earnt, Weir has used her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard.

What's next for Weir?

As she prepares to step into her role as BFC CEO in April 2025, the stakes have never been higher. Brexit and the pandemic have left the British fashion industry struggling with its identity and relevance in a rapidly evolving world. With pressing challenges like environmental impact and representation on the horizon, this is an ideal moment for change and reinvention.

And who better than Laura Weir to lead that charge? Her mission is ambitious yet crystal clear: support designers, strengthen Britain’s position on the global stage, and push for a fashion future that’s inclusive, sustainable, and innovative.

Laura Weir’s journey redefines what success looks like, charting a bold course for the future. Under her leadership, British fashion will embrace transformation over mere recovery. The question isn’t if she’ll make an impact, but how deeply her influence will shape the industry.