Paul Smith is an iconic British fashion designer who founded his eponymous label in 1970. Having previously aspired to become a professional cyclist, Smith suffered a cycling accident at a young age and was sent to hospital- while in recovery, he was encouraged by friends to pursue a creative career and decided to follow his interest in fashion. With this, Paul Smith opened his first store in Nottingham, stocking known brands, as well as his own designs, beginning with menswear. Some years later, Smith realised that women were buying his clothing in smaller sizes for themselves, and so launched a womenswear line in 1993.
Over the years, Paul Smith has become a distinctive British brand, and the founder stands as the first designer to receive a knighthood. The label now encompasses menswear, womenswear, shoes, bags and accessories as well as homeware and a children’s collection.
With a quirky yet refined aesthetic, Paul Smith brings a playful element to everyday luxury fashion. High quality designs are instilled with eccentric accents and vibrant colour palettes, resulting in timeless yet eclectic pieces that brighten up a wardrobe. Classic shapes and silhouettes meet bold florals, paint splatter details and abstract prints, as well as the signature mutlicoloured stripe which runs through clothing and accessories and remains a staple to the brand. Paul Smith offers full lifestyle collections, from luxurious suits, opulent velvet blazers and tailored wool trousers to brightly coloured loungewear, graphic printed sweaters and relaxed shirt dresses. From formality to nonchalant day off-duty looks, Paul Smith adds vibrancy to each design. Sophisticated styles are fused with abstract prints, and understated pieces are given exciting details, creating joyful collections which will be turned to again and again.
Paul Smith stores are located throughout the world, from London to Los Angeles to New Delhi. Their designs can also be accessed online, through the brand’s website and via Selfridges, Flannels and Liberty.