De Padova: Paul Smith, 5 33

Paul Smith is a British fashion designer and founder of his eponymous
brand, which is renowned for its signature multi-coloured stripes and dis-
tinctive style that is best summed up by a "classic with a twist” approach.
From humble beginnings marked by the opening of a 3x3 metre shop in
Nottingham – the city where he was born in 1946 – to his international suc-
cess, Paul Smith has made a name for himself as a versatile creative with
an intuitive approach to design. In 2013, the Design Museum in London
dedicated an exhibition to him that attracted 111,000 visitors and later
toured Europe and Asia.
Today, Paul Smith counts 130 boutiques in over 60 countries, each with
its own character, yet they are united by the fact that they are eclectic
containers showcasing not only clothing but also furnishings, pieces of
art and various objects that the designer-entrepreneur selects personally.
His Los Angeles store, a bright-pink box inspired by the home of Mexican
architect Luis Barragán, is now a landmark.
Architects and designers are a continuous source of inspiration for Paul
Smith along with his careful observation of everyday life that led him to
develop innovative ideas in the fashion industry, such as the introduction
of photographic printing on garments.
But his connection with the design matters goes beyond admiration.
Thanks to his voracious curiosity and taste for functional aesthetic,
Paul Smith has contributed his own creations to a bunch of iconic brands
such as MINI, Leica, Anglepoise, Carl Hansen & Søn, Gufram, Caran
d’Ache, Pinarello. He is also a columnist for Domus magazine.
Named Knight of the British Empire in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022
he was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by the
Duke of Cambridge. In 2020 he celebrated the 50th anniversary of the
brand by launching the Paul Smith's Foundation, which aims to share his
experience and advice with young creative people.
PAUL SMITH