Paul Smith

Rising to become one of the biggest names in global fashion, Paul Smith’s beginnings in the industry were humble. Starting working-life as a menial labourer in one of his native Nottingham’s large clothing warehouses, he drew inspiration from the freedom of ideas and cultural movements of the 1960s to eventually establish his own boutique in the city. Through the early 1970s Paul worked his way through pattern-cutting courses at night school and in 1976, with the help of his wife Pauline, realised his ambition; showing his first menswear collection in Paris.

The rest – as they say – is history. Paul has gone on to become the pre-eminent British designer of his generation, launch numerous successful lines within his label, and is loved around the world for the playfulness and humour that he still brings to his striking designs.