Paul Smith: A Fashion Icon's Journey (2024)

A stalwart in the fashion world, Paul Smith has been a constant presence since the 70s. This quintessentially British designer has managed to stay in vogue, thanks to his partnerships…

Paul Smith: A Fashion Icon's Journey (1)

A stalwart in the fashion world, Paul Smith has been a constant presence since the 70s. This quintessentially British designer has managed to stay in vogue, thanks to his partnerships with cultural icons such as David Bowie, Manchester United, and even a neighbourhood primary school. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Paul Smith and his diffusion line,PS Paul Smith.

The Birthplace of Paul Smith & the First Boutique

Emerging from Beeston, a charming town on the outskirts of Nottingham, Paul Smith embarked on his fashion voyage on the prestigious Savile Row with the acclaimed tailor, Lincroft Kilgour. This is where Smith honed his skills in crafting impeccably tailored basics and nurtured a fondness for traditional British heritage pieces.

In 1970, he inaugurated his first boutique at 6 Byard Lane, Nottingham, where he displayed his creations alongside other distinguished brands. This boutique remained in operation until 2017, even as the brand’s footprint expanded to over 200 stores globally.

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The Instagram Phenomenon: Paul Smith Pink Wall

If you’re an Instagram aficionado, you’ve undoubtedly come across theiconic pink wall. This vivid wall is none other than the facade of Paul Smith’s flagship store on LA’s Melrose Avenue. With an estimated 300 selfies taken daily, this wall has unintentionally become an LA hotspot. But remember, the real treasure lies inside the store.

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The Essence of PS Paul Smith

PS Paul Smith is a diffusion line that delivers youthful, ready-to-wear pieces at a more affordable price range. While the mainline is centred around formal wear and tailoring, PS Paul Smith offers a more laid-back range, inspired by Paul’s dynamic personality and his passion for sports.

Though the brand began with men as its target audience, Paul Smith later branched out into womenswear due to popular demand. This vibrant women’s collection marked by audacious colours, prints, and precise tailoring. The inspiration for the PS Paul Smith womenswear collection was sparked by a rediscovered trove of holiday photos that captured Paul and his wife’s adventures in the 70s and 80s.

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The Iconic Paul Smith Zebra

The motto of thePaul Smith brandis ‘classic with a twist’, and what creature embodies that better than a zebra? This motto was artistically transformed into the recognisable zebra logo in 2007 by artists Russel Weekes and Sam Kerr.

The Stewardship of Paul Smith

In a nutshell, Paul Smith is the owner of Paul Smith.

In the contemporary fashion industry, it’s a rarity for a brand like PS Paul Smith and the mainline brand to remain wholly independent, with Paul Smith himself still being the majority shareholder. But the brand’s staunch guardianship of its roots are one of the many reasons its founder’s quintessential style is cemented as one of the most beloved British designers.

Is Paul Smith a good brand?

Paul Smith is a highly respected brand in the fashion industry. Still largely independent, the designer is widely appreciated for unique designs, quality materials and excellent craftsmanship, making him a firm favourite among fashion enthusiasts for decades.

Are Paul Smith clothes true to size?

Yes, Paul Smith clothes are generally true to size. You can view the size chart on any of our product pages as a guide.

Is Paul Smith a luxury brand?

Paul Smith is highly regarded as a luxury designer British brand that manufactures with quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and unique, stylish designs. The signature creative aesthetic combines tradition and modernity effortlessly.

Where is Paul Smith from?

Paul Smith is from Beeston, a town northeast of Nottingham, England, where he grew up the youngest of three children and began working in a Nottingham clothing warehouse at the age of 15. There he established his first shop, Paul Smith Vêtements Pour Homme.

What is PS by Paul Smith?

PS by Paul Smith is a diffusion line of the main Paul Smith brand. It offers more casual, ready-to-wear pieces that reflect Paul Smith’s distinctive style and personality at a more accessible price.

Where are Paul Smith clothes made?

While it varies on the garment, Paul Smith clothes are made in a range of locations. The vast majority of their products are made in Italy, while knitwear is generally produced in and around the UK.

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Paul Smith: A Fashion Icon's Journey (2024)
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