Paul Smith (fashion designer)
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Sir Paul Brierley Smith<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Post-nominals (born 5 July 1946) is an English fashion designer, best known for his eponymous luxury brand. He was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry in 1991.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Dead link</ref>
Founded by Smith in 1970, it has since expanded to more than 70 countries. The brand sells clothing and accessories through both physical shops and online. Its fluorescent pink flagship store in Los Angeles has become a widely photographed landmark.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Early life
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In 1946, Smith was born in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, the youngest of three children of Harold Smith.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> One of his early ambitions was to become a professional cyclist.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He left school at age 15 and began work in a Nottingham clothing warehouse, continuing to train as a cyclist. At 17 he was involved in a serious accident that kept him in hospital for nearly six months. During his recovery, he was introduced by friends to the world of art and fashion, which shaped his later career.<ref name="Sowray">Template:Cite news</ref> Cycling remained an influence on his design work throughout his career. Smith later took classes in tailoring and began working with the Savile Row tailor Lincroft Kilgour.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Career
Smith opened his first shop, Paul Smith Vêtements Pour Homme, in Nottingham in 1970. The shop, located at 6 Byard Lane, measured only three square metres and sold a mix of established labels alongside Smith's own designs.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In 1976 he presented his first menswear collection in Paris, featuring a combination of casual and semi-formal clothing. Three years later, in 1979, he opened his flagship London store on Floral Street in Covent Garden.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Smith launched his first womenswear line, Paul Smith Women, in 1993, following demand from female customers who had been buying smaller sizes of his menswear.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The brand expanded internationally in the 1980s. The first Japanese store opened in Tokyo in 1984, growing over the years to 165 stores across the country.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Smith opened a shop in New York City on Fifth Avenue in 1987, followed by additional locations, including a flagship on Greene Street as well as Williamsburg, Bleecker Street and Brookfield Place.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1993, he acquired the long-established workwear label R. Newbold, founded in 1885, and incorporated its styles into his own collections.<ref name="Sowray" />
In 1990, Smith introduced a one-off collection for boys, which marked the beginning of his childrenswear range.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2010 this developed into the seasonal line Paul Smith Junior, often including child-sized versions of adult pieces.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 1995, the Design Museum exhibited 'True Brit', a show marking 25 years of his business. The exhibition later travelled to Glasgow for the 'Festival of Design' and then moved to his hometown of Nottingham and was put on display in Nottingham Castle.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Smith published his first book, You Can Find Inspiration in Everything, in 2001.Template:Citation needed The brand launched its e-commerce site in 2004.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2013, Smith designed and made a school tie for Beeston Fields Primary School in Nottingham.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2016, Smith's second book, Paul Smith's Cycling Scrapbook, was released: it documents a personal history of the sport about which he is passionate.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In January 2016, Smith combined his men's and women's fashion shows, showcasing during Paris Fashion Week.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2019, Smith made a cameo appearance in the film Men in Black: International; he also designed the suits in the film.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The company remains majority-owned by Smith. In 2006 Itochu bought a 40% stake in Paul Smith.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Humber">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Awards
Smith has received a wide range of awards during his career. He was named Designer of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards for four consecutive years.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2010 he received the Condé Nast Traveller Innovation and Design Award, shared with Anya Hindmarch.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The following year he was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Fashion Awards 2011.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In addition to industry honours, Smith has been recognised by professional bodies. He holds an Honorary Fellowship of the British Institute of Interior Design.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2015 he was included in GQ's 50 best dressed British men.<ref name="gq2">Template:Cite news</ref>
Smith has also been honoured by the Crown. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 1994 New Year Honours for services to fashion.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He was knighted in the 2000 Birthday Honours<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and in 2020 he was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH), again for services to fashion.<ref>Template:London Gazette</ref>
Local recognition
In February 1997, Smith was made an honorary Freeman of the City of Nottingham in recognition of his contribution to fashion and his ties to the city.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In October 2024, a Nottingham Express Transit named tram numbered 230 after Smith. Other local figures honoured in this way include football manager Brian Clough, footballer Mary Earps, actress Vicky McClure, and cricketer Stuart Broad.<ref>"Sir Paul Smith makes revelation as Nottingham tram named after him" Nottinghamshire Live 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024</ref>
Partnerships and other business pursuits
Smith has collaborated with a wide range of companies and cultural institutions across fashion, design, sport and media.
Automotive and transport
In 1997, Smith designed a Mini that was produced in a limited edition of 1,800 cars.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He later returned to the brand in 2021 with the Mini Electric using sustainable principles, with recycled and natural materials, for example cork.<ref name="auto-mot-">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Smith also designed the Mini Strip, an electric model created with recycled and natural materials, intended to demonstrate sustainable design principles.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Non primary source needed He also worked with Triumph Motorcycles, restyling the Bonneville T100 in 2005 <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and with Land Rover in 2016 on a bespoke Defender.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2018 he collaborated with James Turner of Sports Purpose to cover a 1965 Porsche 911 with multicoloured stripes; the car went on to appear at Le Mans Classic and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.<ref>* Template:Cite news
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Furniture, interiors and product design
Smith has undertaken a number of projects in furniture and interiors. In 2002 he worked with Cappellini on a small homeware collection,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and in 2006 collaborated with Mercian Cycles on a series of bicycles.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also designed seating for Broadway Cinema in Nottingham that year.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2014 he began a collaboration with Anglepoise, reimagining the Type 75 lamp as “Edition One”; further editions followed in 2016 and 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He has also produced designs for Gufram, creating a new version of its cactus-shaped coat stand in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Fashion, textiles and accessories
Smith's textile and fashion collaborations include his long-running partnership with US brand Maharam, which began in 2003,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and work with Rapha, the cycle clothing company, from 2007.<ref name="nyt">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2010 he collaborated with Burton Snowboards, adding his signature stripe to boards and apparel.<ref>Template:Cite newsTemplate:Dead link</ref> In 2012 joined with John Lobb to produce a series of Oxford, derby and loafers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He has also worked with Kask to design cycling helmets (2015, 2018),<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> with Caran d’Ache on two editions of its “849” pen (2015, 2016),<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>and with Berry Bros & Rudd on a limited wine collection (2016).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Further accessories projects included limited edition eyewear with Cutler & Gross in 2018 in tribute to his close friend Tony Gross.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The same year Smith collaborated with the Globe-Trotter by redesigning their 20" trolley case to celebrate its 120-year anniversary first showcased at the Salone del Mobile.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Publishing and cultural projects
In 2005 Smith contributed to the 60th anniversary of Penguin Classics, redesigning the cover of Lady Chatterley's Lover by D. H. Lawrence.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2009 he also designed a limited series of bottles for Evian, becoming a third guest designer after Christian Lacroix and Jean-Paul Gaultier to contribute to the series.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Smith designed sets of stamps for the Isle of Man Post Office to coincide with the 2012 London Olympics,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and in 2011 produced four limited-edition prints marking the release of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2013 he created the official T-shirt for David Bowie's album The Next Day,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and in 2015 collaborated again on designs for Bowie's final album Blackstar.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Sport
Smith has designed uniforms, kits and accessories for major sporting events. He created a jersey for the start of the Tour de France in London in 2007,<ref name="Rodale2007">Template:Cite journal</ref> designed suits for the Manchester United team in 2009,<ref name="gq">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and in 2013 produced the leader's jersey for the Giro d’Italia, including the Maglia Rosa.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He also worked with New Balance in 2018 to mark the 30th anniversary of its 576 sneaker, creating footballs and boots in his trademark stripe pattern.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Technology
In 2005 Smith redesigned the Lasonic i931 boombox, giving it a white look with Smith's trademark multicolour look.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2012 Smith partnered with Leica to release a limited-edition version of the Leica X2 camera.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Publications
References
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- 1946 births
- Articles containing video clips
- Clothing brands of the United Kingdom
- Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
- English businesspeople in fashion
- English chief executives
- English fashion designers
- Eyewear brands of the United Kingdom
- Fashion accessory brands
- High fashion brands
- Knights Bachelor
- Living people
- Members of the Order of the Companions of Honour
- Menswear designers
- People from Beeston, Nottinghamshire
- Shoe brands
- British fashion designers