PAUL SMITH

Designer Overview: Sir Paul Smith is the King of British Design. Known for his casual, cool, cheeky disposition, Smith has shaped an entire lifestyle based around the quintessential English style that celebrates bespoke craftsmanship, classic tradition and mischievous humour. He dared to meld playfulness with poshness — think dapper flower-print satin-lined tailored suits — and succeeded. Born in Nottingham in 1946, Smith entered the fashion industry aged 16, as an errand boy in a local clothing warehouse. At 24, he opened his first shop with some savings and learnt tailoring at night. By 1976, he showed his first menswear collection in Paris under the Paul Smith label. Three decades later, as a preeminent British designer, his brand proudly has 12 different divisions. Designed in Nottingham and London, the Paul Smith collections are primarily produced in England and Italy, using fabrics mainly of Italian, French and British origin. Named the GQ British Designer of the Year five times and knighted by the Queen in 2000, Smith maintains a “nice guy” reputation while running an international behemoth famed for its dashing suits and colourful stripes.

This Season: For Spring/Summer 2010, Paul Smith menswear presents an elegant, modern, British collection. Classic menswear and simple sportswear pieces are reinterpreted in a fresh, uncomplicated way with clean lines and casual shapes in a full spectrum of colours. Veteran rockers David Byrne and David Bowie provide mod-punk inspiration.
The Paul Smith London collection for the new season is based on traditional English tailoring, presenting s slimmer, shorter silhouette and classic slim-fit shapes. Lightweight cotton, linen and super-fine wool are used to create an elegant summer feel.
PS by Paul Smith finds fresh inspiration from the early colour photography of Albert Kahn. Shirting is slim with interesting detailing; prints are strong in vintage florals, stripes and geometrics; and colourful knitwear complete a bohemian global traveller look.
Paul Smith Jeans references the work of film director Wes Anderson for Spring/Summer 2010. The collection contrasts New York style with the Indian setting of “The Darjeeling Limited” movie. Strong hues of pinks, oranges and yellows dominate.

Brands Available at: IFC Mall, Pacific Place, Canton Road, Times Square, Seasons Place

Categories: MENS' SHOES & ACCESORIES, MENSWEAR

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