Zofia Torun-Shaw: The Visionary Director Behind Laird Hatters and British Craftsmanship

Zofia Torun-Shaw is a British fashion entrepreneur, creative director, and business leader best known for her long-standing role as Director at Laird Hatters, one of England’s most respected heritage headwear brands. With more than 16 years at the helm, she has played a central role in shaping the brand’s identity, preserving traditional British hat-making, and expanding its reach both in the UK and internationally. Her work blends craftsmanship, creativity, and commercial strategy, making her a recognised name in British fashion manufacturing.

Zofia Torun-Shaw Age and Early Background

Education and Academic Foundation

Born in August 1973, Zofia Torun-Shaw’s age places her among a generation of leaders who combine classical education with modern entrepreneurial thinking. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Studies at the University of Bristol from 1992 to 1996, followed by a Master’s degree in Russian Studies at University College London (UCL) between 1996 and 1998.

This strong academic background in languages and cultural studies has clearly influenced her international outlook, communication skills, and appreciation for heritage, history, and design—qualities that later became core to her professional career.

Zofia Torun-Shaw and Laird Hatters

Director at Laird Hatters Since 2009

Zofia Torun-Shaw has served as Director at Laird Hatters since December 2009, guiding the company through growth, reinvention, and modernisation while staying true to its artisanal roots. Under her leadership, Laird Hatters proudly manufactures its premium headwear in-house in England, a rarity in an era dominated by mass production.

Retail Presence Across England

Laird Hatters operates specialist stand-alone retail shops in:

• Covent Garden

• Strand

• Soho

• Cambridge

• Oxford

In addition to physical stores, the brand maintains a strong online presence, allowing customers across the UK and abroad to access its handcrafted collections.

British Headwear Craftsmanship and Design Philosophy

Handmade Hats for Gentlemen and Ladies

The handmade ranges overseen by Zofia Torun-Shaw cater to both men and women, offering styles that range from:

• Sleek contemporary fashion pieces

• Country and heritage classics

• Iconic British hat shapes

Her approach balances innovation with tradition, ensuring each piece reflects timeless British elegance while remaining relevant to modern fashion trends.

Consultancy and Fashion Industry Influence

The Laird creative team, led by Zofia Torun-Shaw, also works as consultant hat designers and manufacturers for a variety of British fashion brands. Their work regularly appears in shows at London Fashion Week Men’s (LFWM) and is featured in the fashion press, reinforcing the brand’s authority within the industry.

The Launch of Laird Utility

Expanding Beyond Headwear

In 2021, Zofia Torun-Shaw helped launch Laird Utility, a British-made workwear range developed during the challenges of lockdown. While Laird Hatters’ physical shops were temporarily closed, she and her team worked intensively to bring this new concept to life.

Handmade in England

Laird Utility reflects the same values as Laird Hatters:

• Handmade in England

• Focus on durability and function

• Clean, practical design rooted in British workwear heritage

Currently available online only, the range demonstrates her ability to adapt, innovate, and grow even during periods of uncertainty.

Leadership Style and Personal Values

A Human-Centred Approach

Zofia Torun-Shaw is known for combining professional leadership with a deeply personal, human approach to business. Her journey includes balancing entrepreneurship with family life, including welcoming a new baby during the period when Laird Utility was being developed. This authenticity resonates strongly with modern consumers and creative professionals alike.

Creative Inspiration Beyond Fashion

Outside of business, she is a lover of life with a strong appreciation for:

• Classical architecture

• Nature and landscapes

• Art and colour palettes

• Elegant headwear and stylish fashion

These interests clearly influence her aesthetic sensibility and the visual language of the brands she leads.

Why Zofia Torun-Shaw Matters in British Fashion

Preserving Heritage in a Modern World

At a time when many fashion brands outsource production, Zofia Torun-Shaw’s commitment to British manufacturing stands out. By keeping production in England, she supports skilled craftsmanship, local employment, and sustainable practices rooted in quality rather than volume.

A Role Model for Creative Entrepreneurs

Her career demonstrates how cultural education, creative vision, and disciplined business leadership can come together to build resilient, respected brands. From headwear to workwear, her influence continues to shape how British fashion honours its past while preparing for the future.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Zofia Torun-Shaw is far more than a director of a heritage brand. She is a custodian of British craftsmanship, a creative leader, and an entrepreneur who has successfully guided Laird Hatters for over a decade while expanding into new territory with Laird Utility. With her background, experience, and values, she remains a significant figure in the landscape of British fashion and manufacturing—one whose work continues to inspire both the industry and its customers.

FAQs

1. Who is Zofia Torun-Shaw?

Zofia Torun-Shaw is a British fashion entrepreneur and creative director best known as the Director of Laird Hatters, a heritage headwear brand that manufactures premium handmade hats in England. She has led the company since 2009 and is also involved in the development of the British workwear label Laird Utility.

2. What is Zofia Torun-Shaw’s age and educational background?

Zofia Torun-Shaw was born in August 1973. She holds a Master’s degree in Russian Studies from University College London (UCL) and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Bristol, giving her a strong international and cultural academic foundation.

3. What role does Zofia Torun-Shaw play at Laird Hatters?

As Director, Zofia Torun-Shaw oversees creative direction, manufacturing, retail strategy, and brand development at Laird Hatters. She has been instrumental in maintaining in-house British production, expanding retail locations, collaborating with fashion brands, and launching the Laird Utility workwear range in 2021.

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