British fashion designer Paul Smith is the visionary behind his namesake brand, famed for its iconic multi-coloured stripes and a “classic with a twist” aesthetic.
From his modest start with a 3 x 3 metre shop in his native Nottingham—where he was born in 1946—Smith has evolved into an internationally renowned creative, known for his intuitive design approach. In 2013, London’s Design Museum celebrated his work with an exhibition that attracted 111,000 visitors before touring Europe and Asia.
Today, his brand boasts 130 boutiques in over 60 countries. Each location, while unique, serves as an eclectic space that showcases not only clothing but also furnishings, artworks, and various objects personally selected by Smith. His Los Angeles store—a striking bright-pink building inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán’s home—has become an iconic landmark.
Drawing constant inspiration from architects, designers, and his keen observations of everyday life, Smith has introduced innovations like photographic printing on garments. His passion for functional aesthetics has also led him to contribute designs to renowned brands such as MINI, Leica, Anglepoise, Carl Hansen & Søn, Gufram, Caran d’Ache, and Pinarello, while he also pens a column for Domus magazine.
Honoured as a Knight of the British Empire in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II and appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2022 by the Duke of Cambridge, Paul Smith continues to leave an indelible mark on design. In 2020, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his brand by launching the Paul Smith Foundation, aimed at mentoring and sharing his experience with young creatives.
