World · Qatar Now
G o for a browse in the Paul Smith shop in Mayfair, London, on any given Saturday and you’ll likely find an older shop assistant, straight-backed in fine tailoring, approaching to help you with a new shirt or suit for a special occasion. Paul Smith points out there aren’t many global fashion brands where the owner is a Saturday boy. Working in his shop, one of more than 130 around the world, is his favourite part of the job. ‘It’s fantastic, you meet so many interesting people,’ he says, smiling broadly. Smith’s career has always been about doing things differently—an untrained designer who created a global British brand, infusing classic tailoring with bright stripes and stripes into classic tailoring. He turned down multiple offers to buy his company, choosing to stay in control.
Sir Paul Smith is turning 80, still full of energy, swimming daily before 6 am. He’s about to publish his memoir, *Threads: My Life in Style*, marking a chance to reflect on his life. Smith’s story is one of luck—being in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right people (not least his wife, Pauline, whom he met at 21)—but also hard work, integrity, and modesty. He discusses whether these values remain relevant in a more competitive world and whether Paul Smith can survive.
Smith’s early life was shaped by a cycling accident that ended his dream of becoming a racing cyclist. His father, Harold, an amateur photographer and credit draper, inspired his creative side. Smith worked at 15 with his father’s company and later attended photography classes, learning composition and lighting. His mother, Marjorie, provided stability, boosting his self-assurance. At 21, he met Pauline, who introduced him to art, creativity, and new people. Together, they built a business from a tiny backroom shop in Nottingham, eventually expanding to over 1,200 employees and 130 global stores. The 1970s were a golden era for fashion, with Smith and friends frequenting Studio 54, meeting icons like Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, and Karl Lagerfeld. He popularized the Filofax, a 1980s organizer, and his brand became a favorite among royalty, film stars, and celebrities.
Despite financial struggles, including a £22m loss in 2022, Smith remains optimistic. He attributes his longevity to hard work, continuity, and reassessment. He’s seen recessions and the 2008 financial crash but feels today’s world is more challenging, with less individuality in fashion. He’s concerned about the decline of independent shops and the loss of British eccentricity in globalized fashion. Smith has no plans to retire, instead founding Paul Smith’s Foundation to mentor young designers, teaching essential skills like VAT and contracts. He leaves everything to the foundation, emphasizing the importance of creativity, curiosity, and humility over greed. His latest passion is helping young designers avoid being exploited by big brands, writing his book to inspire them to innovate differently.
Smith’s philosophy is simple: ‘Just a nice life, a nice day.’ He lives modestly, drives a Mini, and values relationships over wealth. His brand’s DNA is tied to his values—modesty, good service, and respect for people. While he acknowledges the need for commercial balance, he remains an optimist, driven by joy, positivity, and a love for his work.
Source: The Guardian
