Fashion career profile
Paul Smith
Sir Paul Smith is a British fashion designer and entrepreneur whose independent label grew from a small Nottingham shop. He left school at 15 without formal qualifications and first worked in a clothing warehouse; after meeting art-school students, he became interested in fashion and took evening classes in fashion design. Smith opened his first shop, Paul Smith Vêtements Pour l’Homme, on Byard Lane in 1970, selling his own designs alongside other makers. He presented his first collection in Paris in 1976. The business developed through a close connection between clothing, retail and visual culture, with Smith continuing to describe himself as the company’s designer, shop manager and owner. His style adapts traditional British tailoring with unexpected colour, pattern and humour. He received the Royal Designer for Industry distinction in 1991 and a CBE for services to fashion design in 1994. The current role record uses the titles supported by the company’s own description, rather than an unsupported chairman or creative-director title.
- Role
- Founder, Owner and Designer, Paul Smith
- Nationality
- British
- Age
- 80
- Career appointments
- 2
- Fashion houses
- 1
- Active roles
- 2
- Paul Smith opens NYC flagship on Madison AvenueFashionNetwork · 2026-10-15
- In Pictures: Paul Smith unveils New York flagship on Madison AvenueThe Industry Fashion · 2026-10-15
- Paul Smith Opens Two-Story Flagship on Madison AvenueWWD · 2026-10-14
- Education: Evening fashion-design classesAfter leaving school without qualifications, Smith later took evening classes in fashion design. · Design Museum
- First shop: Nottingham, 1970The first shop measured approximately 3 by 3 metres and opened on Byard Lane. · Paul Smith
- Paris collection: First collection shown in 1976Smith presented a collection under his own label in Paris. · Design Museum
- Current contribution: Designer, shop manager and ownerPaul Smith’s company identifies these as his roles in the independent design business. · Paul Smith
- Honours: Royal Designer for Industry (1991); CBE (1994)The Design Museum profile documents both recognitions. · Design Museum
- 1970 — Opens first shop in NottinghamThe Byard Lane shop began the business that became the Paul Smith company.
- 1976 — Shows first collection in ParisThe collection established the label’s international fashion presence.
- 1991 — Named Royal Designer for IndustryThe Design Museum timeline records the distinction.
- 1994 — Awarded a CBE for services to fashion designThe honour recognized his contribution to British fashion.
- 1970–Present — Founder and Owner — Paul SmithCurrent appointment · Paul Smith
- 1970–Present — Designer — Paul SmithCurrent appointment · Design Museum