Laura Weir
Chief executive of the British Fashion Council
Laura Weir is the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, a role she took up on 28 April 2025 after succeeding Caroline Rush. Before that she was executive creative director at Selfridges and spent two decades in fashion journalism.
| Role | Chief executive, British Fashion Council |
|---|---|
| Since | 28 April 2025 |
| Predecessor | Caroline Rush |
| Previously | Executive creative director, Selfridges, from January 2023 |
| Background | Fashion journalism |
Who is Laura Weir?
Laura Weir is a fashion executive and former journalist who leads the British Fashion Council (BFC), the body that promotes British fashion and organises London Fashion Week and The Fashion Awards. She combines experience in media, retail and creative leadership, which the BFC cited as a reason for her appointment.
Career
Weir built her career in fashion journalism. She worked for titles including Drapers, Elle UK, The Sunday Times, British Vogue and the London Evening Standard's ES Magazine, where she held a leadership role.
In January 2023 she joined Selfridges, the London department store group, as executive creative director, responsible for the retailer's creative output. In January 2025 the BFC announced her as its new chief executive, and she started on 28 April 2025. She succeeded Caroline Rush, who had led the council for around 15 years.
Influence on the fashion business
When she was appointed, BFC chair David Pemsel said her background gave her an understanding of the complexities of the fashion industry ecosystem and the strategic capability to lead positive transformation. Weir said she looked forward to working with the BFC team to champion culture and creativity to catalyse growth for British fashion. Her stated priorities include:
- Nurturing creative talent and emerging designers
- Helping British designers scale their businesses
- Advancing sustainability across the industry
- Building global partnerships and strengthening representation
Her experience at Selfridges gives her direct insight into how retailers select and sell emerging brands, while her years as an editor give her a detailed understanding of how designers build visibility. That combination of senior retail and media experience is directly relevant to an organisation whose job is to connect designers with buyers, press and investors.
Why it matters
The BFC plays a central role in the commercial health of British fashion, from London Fashion Week to talent programmes such as NewGen. Weir's appointment brings a retail and media perspective to the top of the organisation at a time when designers need not only visibility but also sustainable business models. How she balances creativity with commercial growth will shape London's position among the global fashion capitals in the coming years.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Laura Weir?
Laura Weir is the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, appointed in January 2025 and in post since 28 April 2025. She was previously executive creative director at Selfridges and a fashion journalist.
Who replaced Caroline Rush at the British Fashion Council?
Laura Weir succeeded Caroline Rush as chief executive of the British Fashion Council in 2025. Rush had led the organisation for around 15 years.