A Nottingham-founded British fashion brand, started by Sir Paul Smith in 1970, known for classic tailoring with a colourful twist.
Paul Smith is a British fashion brand that makes menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, shoes, eyewear and accessories. It is known for what its founder calls "classic with a twist": well-made, traditional shapes with unexpected colour, and above all multicoloured stripes. The brand also does many collaborations, from cars and bicycles to stationery. A Wikipedia entry says it has about 130 stores in more than 60 countries as at November 2025.
Paul Smith, born in Beeston in Nottinghamshire, opened his first shop in Nottingham in 1970. It was on Byard Lane, about 12 by 12 feet, and open only on Fridays and Saturdays. He opened his Covent Garden shop on Floral Street in 1979, and held his first Paris menswear show in 1976. Women's clothing followed in 1993 and a children's line later. He received a CBE in 1994, a knighthood in 2000 and was made a Companion of Honour in 2020. Smith says Nottingham shaped his values: quality, hard work and craftsmanship. We found no formal company mission statement.
The company is still headquartered in Nottingham. Its flagship there is in Willoughby House, a Grade II listed building, which opened in 2005. UK shops include Nottingham, Manchester, Bicester, York, Ellesmere Port, eight in London and three at Heathrow Airport. At the Nottingham headquarters the Paul Smith Foundation looks after an archive of more than 5,000 garments and objects, including pieces worn by David Bowie. The in-house design team visits it regularly for ideas, and the company's recent theme has been looking back to look forward.
On culture, a Wallpaper magazine feature describes a business that draws on its own history. The Paul Smith Foundation runs a Fashion Residency for emerging designers, offering archive access, mentoring and a free London studio, and a twice-yearly Archive Residency for visual artists. Sam Cotton has been named head of menswear. The brand's identity combines British wit, heritage fabrics and bold colour. These are the company's and the magazine's descriptions, not independent checks.
A company with a design studio, an archive and shops across the country offers a range of jobs: designers and pattern makers, textile and print specialists, merchandisers and buyers, shop teams, and people in archiving, communications, e-commerce and finance. Nottingham also has a long history in textiles and lace, which makes it a good place for someone who wants fashion work outside London. The company's website lists current roles.
Website: www.paulsmith.com
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