The story of Sir Paul Smith is actually fascinating. When he was only 15 years old his father forced him to take a job as an errand boy in a fashion house in Nottingham. All this time Smith wanted to become a racing cyclist and did not take his job at a fashion house seriously. However, after having an accident which ended Paul’s dreams of becoming a cyclist he accidentally met a lot of people who were interested in art and fashion. Back at his job, he started making various displays in the showroom and the boss was so impressed that he gave him a really important job to do when he was still only 17 years old. When one of his friends decided to open up a fashion boutique in Nottingham, Paul was the one who found the premises, decorated everything and was the shop’s manager. Later on, he felt that he was ready to start his own brand and opened a shop called Paul Smith Vêtement Pour Homme. He didn’t have a lot of money so he could open the store only on Fridays and Saturdays and during the rest of the week, he worked various small jobs to earn some money.
After a very humble beginning now Paul Smith managed to grow his brand into an international one and become a world-known designer with his unique style. Paul brought a simple suit back to life, he showed that formal clothing is not only wearable on weddings or business meetings. Paul Smith took the concept of formal wear to another level by combining classic suits with modern, bold and kitsch patterns. Everyone who loves individuality will find a piece for them in a Paul Smith’s collection. His clothes are exquisite and no other designer can compare with him. By combining simple suits and shirts with bright colours and patterns, the brand targets fashionable individuals who like to express themselves and are not afraid to stand out of the crowd. As Paul Smith said himself, his designs are ‘classic with a twist’.
However, not only the garments are unique and different from every other brand, the stores are exceptional as well. In one interview, Paul said that he hates stores that all look the same, so they design all their shops individually and every one of them has its own character and charm. Shopping at Paul Smith’s is not just about buying some new ‘stuff’; it is a real-life time shopping experience.
