Are fashion personas a dated phenomenon, Girogio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto and so on… ? Has society move beyond worshipping the cult of the personality and up to a more profound level where style is held in higher regard than the hype generated around a single personality. Maybe the question is even, has the Internet helped fashion evolve from a monarchy (cult of personality) to a democracy?
Paul Smith has collaborated with the Isle of Man Post Office to design a prestigious collection of seven stamps to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As a lifelong follower of the World Cycling, Paul Smith was honoured to be asked to participate in this project by the Isle of Man Post Office. The island is home to heroic Olympic Cyclist, and good friend of Paul Smith, Mark Cavendish. Mark will start as one of the favourites in the Men’s Road Race, which has been chosen as the first Cycling event at the Games. The starting line on the Mall, with Buckingham Palace as the backdrop will surely be an inspiration to the Team GB cycling team. It is estimated the race will attract the single biggest crowd of the Games, with an estimated 2 million people anticipated to line the 156 Mile course.
The Paul Smith Isle of Man stamps will be officially released on 1st January 2012 and will be available to buy from Paul Smith shops globally.
paul smith stamps
We’ve always been smithie fans here at Kitmeout. The geezer has an uncanny knack of crossing the divide whether generational or cultural. So keeping up to speed with the chap we’ve grabbed some latest news — worth a butchers for sure:
Smithie’s just come back from a 10 day trip to Japan where he’s been doing many things; showing his new collections, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of one of his shops, taking photographs for an Italian Magazine of a Japanese stylists apartment, and the grand finale was holding his first ever fashion show in Japan and his first ever show including men and women’s. The show was held on the invitation of the Tokyo Fashion Week and his was the opening show.
Hat’s off to Smithie!
Paul Smith Globe is pleased to announce forthcoming exhibition ‘The Dragon’s Backbone’, a collection of work by photographer Benjamin Eagle.
The photographs document Benjamin?s travels over the past eight years on visits to North & South America, South East Asia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, China, Hong Kong, Japan, North and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Eastern & Western Europe.
Benjamin began documenting his life, travels and experiences, through photography creating a photographic diary from a young age. Setting out to document the cultures and lifestyles of people from around the world, Benjamin developed a unique and diverse ability of capturing the essence from any situation he encountered.
The resulting images are rich with shapely silhouettes that express the dynamic texture and depth of the subjects.
London-based Benjamin Eagle was born in Ascot in 1984 and raised in Oxford.
‘The Dragon’s Backbone’
by Benjamin Eagle
20th September – 18th October 2011
Paul Smith Globe
Departure Lounge, Terminal 5
Heathrow Airport
+44 (0)20 8283 7066
After the success of Elephant Parade London in the summer of 2010, Paul Smith has been invited by Elephant Parade Copenhagen to design another elephant to show his support and help to raise funds for the preservation of the Asian elephant.
Paul’s elephant is adorned with a vivid floral print first seen in the Spring Summer 2008 Women’s mainline catwalk collection. This optimistic print was originally inspired by the infamous Bloomsbury Group and Charleston House.
The elephant will be located at the Avenue Hotel in Frederiksberg, in the hotel’s unique courtyard patio. The Avenue Hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from the international beat of Copenhagen, close to the Town Hall Square, the Tivoli Gardens and the historical inner city famous for its pedestrian areas.
“I am very pleased to be involved in this great project and hope you like my design. I wanted to make it as cheerful and optimistic as possible.” – Paul Smith
Elephant Parade Copenhagen
June 1st – August 25th 2011
Paul Smith and sportswear label Rapha Cycling continue to develop their collection cycling clothing: Rain Jackets to Merino Jersey’s, Leather Town Gloves and a series of riding caps.
To celebrate the SS10 issue of GQ Style which goes on sale on newsstands from 22nd March, Paul Smith is delighted to support the launch with specially created windows in Paul Smith shops around the globe and limited edition merchandise promoting the GQ Style Ambition issue entitled, ‘MAN UP!’.
Unique ‘Man Up’ inspired windows will run from 2-4 weeks in March in Paul Smith shops in Milan, London, Paris, Tokyo and New York. Copies of the magazine, which come with free Paul Smith designed ‘Man Up’ totes and specially created printed T-shirts will be available to purchase from the shops listed above.
Inside the issue, Paul Smith has written an essay on ambition and has interviewed Olympic cyclist, Mark Cavendish on what inspires him as one of the world’s leading athletes.
The Pop-Up Space will run from 18th-24th March 11-5.30-pm (weekdays only) at Princes House, 37 Kingsway, London WC2.
Paul was this year’s Guest of Honour at Stockholm Furniture Fair, and was invited to give a special talk describing how he started his career, how he works and ways to find inspiration. The talk took place in the conference hall on the opening day, with every seat taken.
In addition to this, Paul designed a lounge area encompassing some of his design inspirations. The lounge is located in the main hall and split into four colourful and engaging rooms:
Flowers: A collection of Paul’s personal flower photography covers the wall. All furniture from No.9 – French and Italian 19th century
Domus: Showcasing Paul’s favourite Domus covers kindly donated by the current editor: Stefano Casciani. All furniture by Lammhults.
Shop Interiors: An area dedicated to photographs, wallpapers and furniture from shops around the world. A displayed case contains special products designed by Paul Smith Studio.
Stamped Objects: Items posted to Paul with affixed stamps hang on walls and are displayed in cases. Furniture by Lammhults, upholstered in the Paul Smith Rhythmic, Modulating and Syncopated stripe Maharam fabric.
Stockholm Furniture Fair
9th – 13th February
www.stockholmfurniturefair.com
The Paul Smith for Apple capsule collection is now available in Paul Smith shops and online. Created with style and functionality in mind, each piece has been designed for a mobile lifestyle and fits Apple products perfectly.
Macbook and Ipod cases feature the signature multistripe and photographic prints, and are offered in a choice of sizes, fabrics and prints.
Designed by one of Paul’s favourite architects – Daniel Libeskind, the new shop in Crystals Mall will house Paul Smith collections for men and women in addition to accessories and shoes.
Staying true to the Paul Smith hallmark of individualism – the Las Vegas shop offers a unique selection of Paul Smith merchandise along with a well-edited collection of interesting curios, books and antiques.
Paul Smith
Crystals Mall
3720 South Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas
NV 89109
Paul Smith Jeans have designed a T-shirt to celebrate the release of Sam Taylor Wood’s directorial debut, “Nowhere Boy” which tells the story of John Lennon before the Beatles.
These limited edition T-shirts will be available to buy from the beginning of December, ahead of the film’s Box Office release on Boxing Day.
T-shirts retail at £50 and will be available from Paul Smith Jeans shops in London and Nottingham.
Hockney Christmas at Paul Smith, Willoughby House, Nottingham.
The first exhibition to be held in the new art space is a showcase of David Hockney’s early work: ‘1960 – 1968 A Marraige Of Styles’.
In conjunction with the opening of Nottingham Contemporary, and their first exhibition, the Paul Smith, Willoughby House shop will be displaying twenty Hockney prints.
The prints will be also be available for purchase 14th – 27th November 2009. Prices start from £760.
Paul Smith
Willoughby House
20 Low Pavement
Nottingham
NG1 7EA
United Kingdom
Paul Smith is proud to present “British Birds and Dogs” an exhibition showcasing the work of Robert Clarke, who specializes in painting birds and more recently dogs. Below Robert describes in his own words why it is that he enjoys painting birds and dogs.
“My love of birds generally comes from years of playing golf with my Dad and him telling me what those birds were in the hedges and on the course. I’m now almost able to match his knowledge and spotted a long – tailed tit which he ummmed and arrrrred about.
The dogs are a different kettle of fish….On stablizers riding through Wardown Park aged 3 , I was knocked from my bike by a massive German Shepherd called Timber . This beast then straddled me and barked, for what at the time seemed a minute or two, drool slobbering over me before my Grandad pulled him off. The dog had no owner and roamed the park like ferrel animal. I should have known better …I disliked dog’s from then on….well big dogs anyway.
Then in 2002 I got a little Jack Russell called Bill and went to a puppy club, I was passing around all types of hounds…Bassett, Pit bull (called Nike),poodles and the likes. I saw dogs in a different light… That really is why I like painting and drawing them both”
Birds and Dogs
3rd – 19th November
Paul Smith “Globe”
Terminal 5 Departure Lounge
Heathrow
The Mini visits Leeds
To celebrate the Mini’s 50th anniversary and to coincide with ‘Shopping Week’, the Paul Smith multi-stripe Mini will be in the Victoria Quarter from the 16th – 26th of October 2009.
Paul Smith
17-19 King Edward Street
Leeds
LS1 6AX
Tel: (0) 113 245 0728
Buy the Paul Smith Mini Wallet, here
Vic Reeves @ the Leeds Shop. Between 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Tuesday 6th October
Think you know your Vanilla Ice from your Leonardo da Vinci? Think you can tell the X-Factor from the X-Men? Think again.
At last, one of Britain’s most remarkable and idiosyncratic minds presents an illustrated guide to all you really need to know about everything. Vic Reeves’ Vast Book of World Knowledge takes us on an irresistible visual romp through his world – from exploding jellyfish to revolving toupées. It’s an education – with pictures! – a revelation, a celebration, a pontification, and an entirely magnificent aberration.
To celebrate the release of Vic’s book, Paul Smith is delighted to hold a book signing at the Leeds shop.
Paul Smith
17 King Edward Street
Leeds
LS1 6AX
Tel: 0113 245 0728
Limited edition prints will also be available exclusively at Paul Smith shops.
Paul Smith has collaborated with Evian to design a limited edition glass bottle in vibrant colours – with a nod to the famous stripes.
The multi-coloured bottle, with five different caps to collect, will be launched to press on Monday 21st September.
The ‘Paul Smith for Evian’ bottle is available at selected outlets to buy from October 2009.
Paul Smith is pleased to host an exhibition of original prints from the ‘Big Five’ psychedelic poster artists of the 1960’s.
Work from Victor Moscosco, Stanley ‘Mouse’ Miller, Rick Griffin, Alton Kelley and Wes Wilson will be showcased.
‘Pychedelic Rock Posters’
10th – 25th September 2009
Paul Smith Globe
Terminal 5 Departure Lounge
Heathrow
Paul Smith Jeans are pleased to announce that they have become a sponsor of the Rapha Condor Professional Cycling Team, home to the current men’s national road race champion for the rest of the 2009 season.
The Paul Smith Jeans logo will debut on the Rapha Condor team jerseys and Kristian House’s National Champion’s jersey at the Tour of Ireland in August where they will line up against Lance Armstrong, comeback kid and recent third place finisher in the Tour de France
Paul is a well known cycling enthusiast and has worked with Rapha on a number of cycling related projects in recent years. However, this is the first time that the Paul Smith brand has appeared on the jersey of a professional cycling team. Adding Paul Smith Jeans to the black Rapha Condor jersey will cement its reputation as the most stylish in the peloton. The Rapha Condor team will be wearing Paul Smith Jeans going forward, underlining the new partnership.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Rapha founder and CEO Simon Mottram expressed his enthusiasm for the new sponsorship:
“For Paul Smith to choose cycling as a vehicle for their sponsorship activity is a hugely important moment for the Rapha Condor project. The sport has been growing rapidly over the last few years but it has taken the big brands a while to act on the opportunity that cycling has to offer. The brands that have joined the team for the rest of the year have seen the synergy between the Rapha and Condor brands and their target audience and we’re looking forward to working with them this year and, hopefully, beyond”
Paul Smith SPACE GALLERY is delighted to announce an exhibition “Dream Empire” by Japanese artist Keiichi Tanaami and English artist Pete Fowler.
The exhibition inspiration is derived from the music of Super Furry Animals and developed from the artwork created for the jacket of the album Dark Days/Light Years.
Based on this inspiration, Tanaami adopted a theme of “Mysterious Journey to an Alien World” to create his works. Utilizing an almost infinite number of images through integrating, selecting, connecting and other editorial processes, to represent Memories of the Inner Journey.
Meanwhile, Pete Fowler has journeyed back and forth between mutual images, pursuing his concept of creating psychedelic art works without limiting himself. While creating his work he enjoyed the process in which Tanaami, whom he respects as a great artist, lead their works in unexpected directions.
The exhibition will run from 1st-23rd August and displays eighteen artworks, some of which have been specially made for Paul Smith SPACE GALLERY.
Dream Empire, Keiichi Tanaami and Pete Fowler.
1st-23rd August
Paul Smith ‘SPACE’
5-46-14 Jingumae Shibuya-ku
Tokyo
Tel: +81 3 5766 1788
Open: 11.00am – 8.00pm
Closed: Wednesday
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Summer Sonic, the biggest music festival in Japan, Paul Smith is having an exhibition in the Paul Smith Box Gallery, Tokyo showcasing 10 years of the festival’s posters and t.shirts. The exhibition starts on the 10th July and will run till the 9th August.
Paul Smith Jeans has been an official sponsor of the festival since 2003. The actual festival takes pleace 7th – 9th August and is split between Tokyo and Osaka.
Paul Smith accepts the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
Paul Smith is pleased to accept the Queens Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category this year.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for business performance. They recognise and reward outstanding achievement by UK companies. The Awards are made each year by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions
‘We are obviously delighted and honoured to receive this award. We are pleased to say that our business around the world still continues to grow even during these more difficult financial times.’ Paul Smith
The award for International Trade recognises companies that have demonstrated growth in overseas earnings. Over the past six years Paul Smith has seen group turnover increase from £77m to £150m and has more than doubled export sales from the UK where it employs over 630 staff.
Paul Smith has created a new rubbish bin for London. The ‘New London Rubbish Bin’ will be popping up in Covent Garden and Holland Park for a four-month trial period from 28th May.
The giant rabbit bins, with ears that light up when anyone puts rubbish in them, are Paul Smith’s contribution to Super Contemporary – an exhibition which opens on 3rd June 2009 at the Design Museum.
The ‘New London Rubbish Bin’ is just one of the intriguing responses to a challenge to several of London’s most successful designers to give something back to London – the city that has inspired so much of their work.
“I was pleased to be asked to be involved in the Super Contemporary exhibition at the Design Museum,” says Paul Smith. “I must admit I found it quite challenging, because in any city there are always so many things you love and so many things you don’t and so many things you want to improve. I tried to keep my idea simple and hopefully interesting – I am always amazed how bad people are about litter and how they are so thoughtless. My exhibit is hopefully a tiny step towards making people be better with their rubbish.”
Although Paul’s 5ft-high rabbit bins are intended to be a bit of fun, they still point a brightly coloured finger, or paw, at a serious problem. Every day, the equivalent of 100,000 dustbin bags of rubbish land on the capital’s streets.
Super Contemporary will showcase a wide range of commissions which have also been designed to make London life a little better or more contemporary – from new bus shelters to new uniforms for the ‘Beefeaters’ at the Tower of London.
This Spring, Paul Smith launches ‘Project 10: Bag’ – a new and refreshing take on design and individuality in a world full of mass production.
Paul Smith has taken one bag shape, the ‘Flight Bag’ and created 138 individual designs for it – 138 in total, for every Paul Smith shop in Japan. Each shop will stock just one design inviting customers to get something very rare and special.
Designs include everything from vibrant graphic prints to more muted colours and new takes on the signature multi-stripe.
Re-evaluating large-scale manufacture, each design is limited to an edition of 10 – the result is a unique, inspiring and entirely individual collection of bags.
‘Project 10: Bag’ launched exclusively in stores in Japan on 10th April and will be exhibited at The Design Museum from 18th May until 2nd June.
“I wanted to show that creativity is not just driven by money or commerciality and that it can be about a simple idea and effort. Designing 138 prints at the same time for one project was both extremely challenging and rewarding at the same time. I wanted to give and show something interesting and unique to the customer, and hopefully we have achieved that” Paul Smith
“The Project 10: Bag designs are a breath of fresh air. They’re like an encyclopedia of design thinking” Deyan Sudjic, Director of the Design Museum
PAUL SMITH PROJECT 10: BAG IN JAPAN EXCLUSIVELY SHOWCASED AT THE DESIGN MUSEUM
18th May – 1st June 2009.
Paul Smith was delighted to be celebrating British design with The British Design Embassy who, for the first time, opened overseas at this year’s Salone del Mobile Milano.
Paul was honored to be invited to curate the space at the Villa Reale,
“The Salone Del Mobile Milano is the most important design week throughout the world and I am really pleased to be representing the UK”. Paul Smith
The opulent and magnificent space at the Villa Reale has been thoughtfully re-invented by Paul Smith – it will be a place to relax, stop for a break, browse the internet and use as a meeting place during the fair. Elaborate floral curtains will be suspended for maximum impact. In addition, furniture chosen by Paul from his antique furniture collection as well as from Moroso’s collection designed by British designers will be on display in the room, inviting visitors to see and enjoy the Villa Reale in a new light.
Paul Smith shows his Autumn / Winter 2009 Women’s Collection at Claridges
Last night Paul showed his Autumn / Winter 2009 collection at Claridges, London.
The Collection was classic Paul Smith, luxurious striped cashmere and Fair Isle knits were teamed up with feathered Fedora hats for a country look whilst tailoring had a military theme. Jackets braced the catwalk in khaki’s and beautiful bright pinks and yellows.
Paul’s shares his thoughts…..
“Another show has come and gone. Backstage, as usual, everything went smoothly and it was very calm. I have to say this is the one comment I get every year regarding my show from the models, dressers, photographers etc; everything is always very relaxed. Today we will wait to see what the press thought about it. Who knows? Oh, Vogue.com has just come through and it is really good…phew!!
The show was very British using lots of fabrics that we are familiar with; Harris tweed, pinstripe, flannel mixed with Scottish Fairisle patterns and my popular stripes plus rose print in faded pinks and khaki’s. I included a big section of khaki colours with hint of military. The make up for the girls was very matt with lips painted in a deep burgundy colour and the hair was a very soft chignon, clean and healthy and sometimes wispy around the face. Six months work and a 10 minute show but that’s what it’s all about – simple, to the point, no theatre!”
Smithy is such a fluffy geezer underneath.
The English schoolboy, with his tweed-heavy wardrobe and penchant for irreverent mixing and matching, had the run of the catwalk at British designer Paul Smith’s show on Sunday.
The collection was whimsical and fun even if Smith, whose flair for giving classics a twist has won him a worldwide following, didn’t stray far from his label’s hallmark style.
Tweed professor blazers were paired with slim plaid trousers and smart wool jackets were worn over cycling jerseys in bright primary colors. Flashes of hot pink lining peaked out from a blazer in oatmeal-colored houndstooth.
Bow-ties largely replaced conventional neckties, somehow managing to look dapper and not too out of place on the teenage models.
The same cannot be said for the show’s clunky plastic eyeglasses. Those wearing the heavy, Clark Kent-style frames looked as if they were itching to rip off the nerd gear and re-emerge in tights and spandex.
Smith said the show’s emphasis on accessories — which also included colorful shoes and scarves — was a response to the financial crisis.
“During recessionary times, people maybe spend money on smaller things as a (cost-effective) way of adding to their wardrobe,” Smith told The Associated Press backstage. Still, he said the brand, which sells some 3 million pieces a year, has yet to be affected by the economic downturn.
Last night saw the launch of design duo – FUEL’s, Russian Criminal Tattoo, Encyclopaedia Volume III book at Paul Smith Floral Street. Drinks and canapes were served, and signed books, exclusive tee shirts and prints were also available to purchase on the evening.
This is the final volume of previously unpublished drawings and photographs from the collections of Danzig Baldaev and Sergei Vasiliev. It completes the Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia trilogy.
Looking at this photo from the Paul Smith website you might be persuaded that Paul Weller and “that guy” from The Fast Show have become cyclying olympians. Nice one fellas! We all need a release for our pent up physical energy…
Bradley Wiggins won the gold medal in the Olympic individual pursuit final and the Men’s team pursuit this morning. Paul Smith would like to wish Bradley and his Team GB cycling colleagues the best of luck with the rest of their races. Wiggins has the opportunity to win a further medal in the men’s madison tomorrow.
Paul Smith shows his SS09 collection in Paris, Carrousel du Louvre – Salle Lenotre 99 Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris. The feedback from buyers and press alike was great.
Sir Paul Smith, says:
1.
One of the biggest mistakes men make is wearing T-shirts. I understand why you’d want to wear them, especially if you’re a single man. There’s no ironing. But most guys need to have a collar around their neck for height.
2.
If you’re in doubt about how to wear your hair, get a non-haircut: a relatively short, nondescript one. If you try for stylish hair, you can make horrible mistakes.
3.
Women should always be entertained. My wife hates it when men at a dinner party lean in front of her or behind her and have a conversation as if she doesn’t exist.
4.
If you’re going to a formal event, you have to dress correctly. But if you get there and realize people aren’t wearing bow ties, you can put yours in your pocket.
5.
On a young guy, two days of not shaving looks very cool. But as you get older, it looks like you’re trying too hard, especially when you’re going gray. A proper beard is fine.
6.
In London, we’re not so passionate about how we look, as opposed to the Italians, who are very self-conscious. We’re not stylish dressers, but we’re good on ideas and on freethinking.
7.
You can learn from people who dress in an interesting way, like Daniel Day-Lewis. You can see him on his motorbike in jeans, a checked shirt, and a leather jacket. And other times he’ll have on a custom-made Scottish-plaid suit.
8.
Generally speaking, I wear a suit every day, because my suits are custom-made. They are comfortable. They move with me.
9.
I don’t have a BlackBerry. I carry a notepad and a pencil—and I don’t use a mobile. I’ve reluctantly moved to a digital camera, but only because they make them so nice and small now that they don’t spoil the line of your suit.
10.
I’m very happy if a man smells like himself. But if he does wear a scent, it shouldn’t be too attention seeking. The people on the other side of the office shouldn’t be able to smell you.