Paul Smith, born in Nottingham in 1946, is one of Britain’s most enduring and influential fashion designers, celebrated for bringing wit and personality to classic tailoring. After an early career in cycling was derailed by a serious accident, Smith entered the world of fashion through a job at a local clothing warehouse and evening classes in tailoring. He opened his first shop in Nottingham in 1970 and launched his namesake label in 1976, quickly gaining recognition for his ability to marry Savile Row tradition with a sense of British eccentricity. Over the decades, Paul Smith has grown into a global brand with collections spanning menswear, womenswear, homeware, and accessories, all unified by a distinctive blend of sophistication and playfulness.
Smith’s signature lies in his eye for detail and subversion. He is known for sharp suiting cut with a twist—whether it’s a shock of vivid color on the lining, a subtle clash of prints, or his now-iconic multicolor stripes. Patterns and tailoring remain at the heart of his design process, often inspired by art, travel, and photography, which he actively pursues himself. In collaboration, Smith has lent his aesthetic to brands like Anglepoise, Leica, and Mini, consistently elevating everyday objects with his trademark mix of elegance and humor.
Knighted in 2000 for services to British fashion, Paul Smith has remained a vital voice in the industry through his adaptability and integrity. Even as the fashion world has become more digital and fast-paced, he has retained a slow, thoughtful design ethos rooted in curiosity and storytelling. In recent years, he has restructured the brand to focus more intently on sustainable growth and long-term relevance, with pared-back collections that reflect both restraint and clarity.
