The Story Behind Paul Smith
Paul Smith the brand came about as a bit of an accident, organically growing out of the designer’s life circumstances. Leaving school at 16, Paul’s ambition to become a professional cyclist was cut short after a serious accident left him hospitalised and falling in with a group of art students. Inspired by their creative world and enthusiasm for all things art, architecture and design, Paul took evening tailoring classes, opening up his first shop in Nottingham in 1970. Today, Paul Smith is one of the leaders in British fashion, known for his imaginative use of colour and pattern, and smart tailoring that combines tradition with contemporary innovation.
