Paul Smith

‘Books have traced the lives of great designers before, but few serve to double as a visual history of British popular culture. What this book deftly demonstrates is that Smith has not just been going for 50 years, he’s been interwoven with our national aesthetic for 50 years.’ – Esquire

This innovative book captures the unique spirit of British fashion icon Sir Paul Smith through 50 objects chosen by Sir Paul himself for the inspiration they have provided him over the years – from a wax plate of spaghetti and a Dieter Rams radio to a Mario Bellini Cab chair and a bicycle seat.

Each object has impacted his worldview, his creative process, and his adherence to a design approach that’s always imbued with distinctly British wit and eccentricity. The book covers subjects as varied as breaking down the formality of wearing a suit, the importance of wit, and the benefits of remaining independent in an increasingly monopolized world, and includes personal contributions – handwritten notes, a sketch, or photograph – from such fashion and design heavyweights as Manolo Blahnik, Ines de la Fressange, Martin Parr, and John Pawson. Updated with a fresh new fabric cover featuring the brand’s signature stripe and a brand-new preface written by Sir Paul especially for this edition, Paul Smith provides the ultimate insight into one of the fashion world’s most-loved creators.

Praise for the previous edition:

‘Paul Smith brings together 50 objects from the past five decades that encapsulate his unique ability to find inspiration in everything.’ – Vogue

‘Tells the story of 50 objects salvaged from the snow drift of stuff that covers every inch of his office.’ – Wallpaper*

Author Biography

Sir Paul Smith CBE RDI is one of the UK’s foremost designers and is renowned for his creative spirit. His eponymous fashion brand combines traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design to create beautifully made modern pieces.

Tony Chambers is founder and creative director of design and lifestyle consultancy TC & Friends and co-chair of Brainstorm Design.

Sir Jonathan (Jony) Ive KBE RDI is a British-American industrial designer. Formerly Chief Design Officer at Apple, he now runs his own design firm, LoveFrom, with British designer Marc Newson.