Paul Smith – The Brand
Paul Smith claims his foray into fashion was completely accidental. It literally was. Aged 17, Smith was working in a clothing warehouse based in Nottingham. At the time his real passion was cycling not clothes. Following a cycling accident, Smith was admitted into hospital where he spent time making friends who were to change his life. His new friends attended a local art college, inspiring Smith with talk of great artists and musicians. Smith immediately belonged to their world.
In 1970, Smith took evening classes for cloth tailoring, and with the encouragement of his friends, and now wife Pauline Denyer (a fashion student herself), Smith opened up his first shop in his hometown Nottingham. By 1976, the Paul Smith label was in full swing, and Smith showed his first menswear collection in Paris. Three years later the first London store was opened in Covent Garden - Paul Smith now had its own home in the fashion capital.
Subsequently, the brand continued to go from strength to strength in a short amount of time. In the mid Eighties a Paul Smith toiletries line launched, as well as the opening of the first New York Store. Even with its strong British influences, the Paul Smith brand was a hit globally. The early Nineties saw expansion with the Paul Smith children’s wear and womenswear collections, all still striving.
Today, Paul Smith is recognised with over ten different collections, including the core Paul Smith label, PS by Paul Smith, Paul Smith Women, Paul Smith London, Paul Smith Jeans and Paul Smith Fragrance. With the brand’s great growth over thirty years, the self titled chairman remains at the forefront of his great British brand, always on the lookout for what’s next in fashion.
Paul Smith – Classic Styles
Expertise in men’s tailoring sees Paul Smith as one of the most influential men’s brands in the fashion industry. Paul Smith has been the winner of countless style awards, and Smith himself received Knighthood by the Queen in 2000.
Fashion of stature, Paul Smith men’s collection is classically British. The Paul Smith London collection offers a selection of fine cashmere knits, classic, loose and slim fit shirts in an array of colours and prints both smart and casual, a standard expectation from Paul Smith clothing. Suits by the Paul Smith London collection include; The Byard, The Travel Suit and The Willoughby, all finely tailored for a sleek silohouette.
The Paul Smith Mainline Men’s collection comprises of tailored separates that have a casual elegance; including Merino wools, Rugby tops and Printed T Shirts. Tailored jackets will smarten up a look, with choices like the Paul Smith Check Wool Tailored Jacket in brown and the Black Watch Tartan Tailored Jacket.
PS by Paul Smith offers a wide selection of men’s knitwear. Plain styles such as the Elephant Grey Merino Wool Cardigan and 1950’s Chevron Stripe Cardigan will stand the test of time. Paul Smith’s signature use of stripes is a great choice to update your knits, with favourites including; Striped Merino Wool Jumper and the Fair Isle Jacquard Knitted Jumper is full of old British charm.
Accessories and shoes are included in the men’s collection, with Paul Smith cufflinks being one of the brand’s most sought after products. The Paul Smith Women collection, Paul Smith Fragrance, Paul Smith Jeans, Paul Smith Swimwear and Paul Smith Underwear are just a few of the other options that this timeless British brand has to offer.
