Paul Smith Logo

The Paul Smith story officially began in 1970 when a young Paul Smith opened his first store in Nottingham, England. However, to fully understand the brand’s origins, we must go back further.

Paul Smith was born in Nottingham in 1946. His childhood dream was to become a professional cyclist, but that dream was shattered at the age of seventeen after a serious accident. During his long recovery in the hospital, he met people from the art and design world, which sparked his interest in fashion.

In 1970, he opened a small shop in Nottingham, measuring just three by 3 meters. The store, open only two days a week, had no windows, and he worked other jobs to cover the rent. Despite these humble beginnings, his distinctive style and friendly personality helped the shop gain a following among local youth.

In 1976, he debuted at Paris Fashion Week with his first men’s collection, a crucial step for the brand as it entered the global market. The collection was notable for its unique blend of traditional tailoring with unexpected color combinations and quirky details—an aesthetic defining the designer’s brand.

The first boutique opened in 1979 on Floral Street in Covent Garden, London. With its innovative design and marketing, this store became a signature for the business.

The brand continued to grow during the 1980s. In 1987, launching the first women’s collection expanded the brand’s audience. The designer continued experimenting, mixing bold colors and modern elements with classic British tailoring.

In the 1990s, the business expanded internationally, starting with the opening of its first store in Japan in 1991. The brand grew quickly in Asia and had flagship stores in major cities like New York and Paris by the decade’s end.

In 1993, the British Fashion Council honored the designer for his outstanding contributions to fashion. This recognition solidified his position as one of the leading British designers.

In 2000, the business celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special collection and a major exhibition highlighting its history and philosophy.

Throughout the 2000s, the company continued to expand, launching new lines, including home goods, footwear, accessories, and fragrances. Each new category reflected the brand’s signature style and attention to detail.

A major moment came in 2011 when Queen Elizabeth II knighted the designer for his contributions to British fashion. This prestigious honor recognized his role as a cultural ambassador for the UK and his influence on the global fashion industry.

In 2013, the company marked 40 years since its debut at Paris Fashion Week with a retrospective exhibition at the Design Museum in London, which later traveled internationally.

In 2016, the brand underwent a restructuring, merging several lines under one unified label. This move aimed to strengthen the brand’s identity and simplify its offering.

In 2020, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. Despite global challenges, the business hosted several events and released special collections to mark the milestone, highlighting its resilience and ability to adapt while staying true to its roots.

In 2021 and 2022, the company continued to innovate and evolve, expanding its online presence, experimenting with new ways of showcasing collections, and entering new international markets.

By 2023, the brand will remain among the fashion industry’s most recognized and respected British names. The company continues to follow the founder’s vision of combining classic British tailoring with contemporary styles and imaginative solutions. The story shows how creativity, determination, and a unique vision can transform a small shop into a globally recognized brand. From its modest beginnings in Nottingham, the business has stayed true to its heritage while constantly evolving, balancing tradition with innovation, and continuing to inspire and surprise the fashion world.