Paul Smith
Born: July 5, 1946.
Nottingham, England

 

Born in 1947, in Nottingham, England, Fashion Designer Paul Smith always wanted to become a professional bicycle racer. But an accident prevented him from pursuing this carrer further. In 1969, Smith met Pauline Denyer, who studied fashion design at the Royal College of Art. She became a motor for the career in the fashion business that should follow for Smith. He opened up a tiny shop for clothing in 1970. Since then he worked hard to establish himself as a unique fashion designer for classic men's wear with a twisted appeal.

Paul Smith surprised the fashion business, offering classic British cuts, but combining them in an unsual manner or using striking colors to make them stand out. Grey business suits worn with colorful flower-decorated shirts honored the tradition of British tailoring and took it a step further into young and progressive fashion. Thus garments of the business world became attractive for the fashion-oriented boheme.

Born: July 5, 1946, in Nottingham, England

First break: Worked for his father's clothing warehouse at 16.

Company founded: 1970

Based in: England

Men's diffusion lines: Paul Smith Spectacles (1994), Paul Smith Jeans (1994), Paul Smith Men's Underwear (1995)

Selected awards: British Designer for Industry Award (1991), BKCEC Award (1991), C.B.E. Award for service to fashion design (1994), Paul Smith Limited awarded the Queen’s Award for Industry for export achievement (1995), Smith awarded knighthood by HRH the Queen (2000), GQ British Designer of the Year (1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003)

Signature quote: "Never assume."

Worn by: Tony Blair, Jude Law, James Frain, Mario Testino, Nicole Kidman

Authentic Paul Smith Jeans Shirt Tops Shoes and Clothes are available from a select number of websites.