Paul Smith: Still a Fashion Maverick After All These Years (Published 2017) (2024)

Fashion|Paul Smith: Still a Fashion Maverick After All These Years

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/04/fashion/paul-smith-fashion-maverick-menswear.html

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Paul Smith: Still a Fashion Maverick After All These Years (Published 2017) (1)

“Nobody cares how good you used to be,” said Paul Smith, the forward-thinking septuagenarian whose quirkily detailed tailoring has made him a perennial standard-bearer for English design.

With annual sales of around 200 million pounds (or roughly $245.5 million), Mr. Smith is that rarity, an independent survivor in a business dominated by multinational conglomerates and a marketplace increasingly challenged by the effects of e-commerce and fast-fashion behemoths like Zara and H&M.

Last year, Mr. Smith performed radical surgery on a label he founded in 1976 — in which he still has a 60 percent stake — eliminating a diffuse range of offerings and licenses to focus on just two yearly collections with designs for women and men. “I can do that because the Paul Smith label is owned by somebody called Paul Smith,” the designer said.

This month, in addition to a runway show in Paris, Mr. Smith will also show his latest offerings at the influential men’s wear trade show Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy, where he is one of two specially invited guest designers.

A self-taught polymath whose name appears on over 370 stores around the world, Mr. Smith spoke by telephone on subjects ranging from the perils of the high street to finding fashion cues in the frescoes of Fra Angelico.

Given that your label is based in London and you show in Paris, what is it that lured you to Florence and Pitti Uomo?

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Paul Smith: Still a Fashion Maverick After All These Years (Published 2017) (2024)

FAQs

Is PS Paul Smith a good brand? ›

Paul Smith is a high-end fashion brand known for its quality and design, and its products can be relatively expensive, making it more accessible to those with higher disposable incomes. However, it's not exclusively for the rich, as they offer a range of products, including accessories and more affordable items.

What is the philosophy of Paul Smith designs? ›

Paul's saying, that 'you can find inspiration in everything', remains the guiding principle of the company. It means that Paul Smith designs are eclectic, with references drawn from art, music, and everyday life.

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.

How rich is Paul Smith? ›

Sir Paul, whose net worth was £242m in 2020 according to the Sunday Times Rich List, received a CBE for services to fashion in 1994 and was knighted in 2000. As well as clothes, he has partnered with Mini on one-off car designs, and designed a bespoke Defender for Land Rover.

Where are Paul Smith clothes made? ›

Most of our clothes are made in Italy.

Who owns PS fashion? ›

Predrag Pantovic - owner - PS Fashion | LinkedIn.

What is Paul Smith best known for? ›

Known for his distinctive signature multi-coloured stripes, with designs sold at flagships in London, Paris, New York, Milan and Tokyo, among over 200 other stores, Smith is widely credited for his eye-catching storefront designs and to match his vibrant aesthetic.

Who is Paul Smith's target audience? ›

Demographic Profile of Paul Smith Customers

The brand's customers encompass a diverse range of age groups, including professionals, creatives, and young urbanites, due to its unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles.

What brand has a zebra logo? ›

It's the myth, the legend, the Zebra logo by PS Paul Smith. Browse our extensive collection of clothing, including t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, but also accessories, all featuring the iconic Paul Smith Zebra.

Are Paul Smith shirts made in China? ›

A recent study by consultants at the international accounting and business consultancy firm KPMG and at Monash University in Australia reported: "While companies are often wary of the 'Made in China' tag, companies such as Coach, Paul Smith and Armani have shifted some of their manufacturing to China in recent years."

Who is Paul Smith married to? ›

Paul Smith (fashion designer)
Sir Paul Smith CH CBE RDI
BornPaul Brierley Smith 5 July 1946 Beeston, Nottinghamshire, England
SpousePauline Denyer ​ ( m. 2000)​
LabelsPaul Smith PS Paul Smith
Websitepaulsmith.com
3 more rows

How many shops does Paul Smith have now? ›

In fact, stores are central to Sir Smith's plans. What began as one small, 9-square meter shop in Nottingham, England in 1970, has grown to 130 shops with locations in over 60 countries.

Does Paul Smith have children? ›

Smith is married to Eve Murray who works for the British Museum – they have two children, Daniel and Emma.

How much does Paul Smith weigh? ›

At under six foot and 300lb in bodyweight, Paul is relatively small for a professional strongman, but his tremendous all-round athleticism belies his stature, and he is able to regularly defeat much larger competitors.

How tall is Paul Smith? ›

Paul Smith (footballer, born 1979)
Personal information
Date of birth17 December 1979
Place of birthEpsom, England
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Position(s)Goalkeeper
18 more rows

What kind of designer is Paul Smith? ›

The British menswear stalwart made a name for himself with his 'classics with a twist,' going on to build a global brand also known for its men's and womenswear, homeware, accessories and fragrances.

Is Paul Smith logo a zebra? ›

Constructed from 100% organically grown cotton-jersey and cut in a regular-fit - this navy T-shirt features a ribbed collar and our classic Zebra logo in an updated vibrant 'Sports Stripe' pattern, on the chest.

Is Paul Smith worth it on Reddit? ›

Paul Smith has a reputation for great quality and longevity which are two factors that can sway the buyer on the fence. It's worth the money because you won't need to buy another for a very long time.

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