Paul Smith

A new monograph capturing the unique spirit and one-of-a-kind creativity of British fashion icon Sir Paul Smith

Created in close collaboration with design legend Sir Paul Smith, Paul Smith celebrates the iconic brand through the lens of 50 objects, chosen by Sir Paul himself for the inspiration they have provided him over the years.

The carefully-selected objects have impacted Sir Paul’s worldview, creative process, and adherence to a design approach that’s always imbued with distinctly British wit and eccentricity. Every item illuminates a different aspect within the designer’s work and leads to discussions on subjects as varied as the formality of a suit, the importance of teamwork, and the power of humor — providing colorful, candid insight into one of the most creative minds working in design today.

The book also explores everything from his very first show in Paris and his cult Floral Street store in London, to the evolution of that stripe and his most recent collections and collaborations.

The books opens with a foreword by Jonathan Ive, former chief design officer of Apple, and also features personal contributions — letters, drawings and photos — from fashion and design icons Manolo Blahnik, James Dyson, Martin Parr, John Pawson and Alice Rawsthorn.

The book’s colorful cloth cover takes its inspiration from yarn wound around card, one of the 50 objects in the book, and how Sir Paul creates his famous stripes.