Paul Smith

The history of iconic British fashion house Paul Smith began when its then 17-year-old founder was involved in a serious cycling accident. During his six-month long stay in hospital, Smith made many new friends who, after having fully recovered, he began regularly meeting for a drink at their local pub.

This same pub happened to be frequented by students from the nearby art school. Conversation often turned to artists like Warhol and Kokoschka and musicians such as the Rolling Stones. It was then that Paul realised he wanted to be part of this creative scene.

Paul began taking evening classes in stitching and tailoring and, after much encouragement from girlfriend Pauline, opened his first shop in 1970 at 10 Byard Lane in the English city of Nottingham. Six years later, he presented his first menswear collection at a gala event in Paris.

Paul Smith has come to be recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s foremost designers thanks to his playful and sometimes even humorous approach to classic menswear featuring signature elements such as multicolour stripes and depictions of the original Mini Cooper. In the year 2000, Paul Smith became Sir Paul Smith after receiving a knighthood from HRH Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his innumerable contributions to the British fashion industry.