Paul Smith’s introduction into fashion was completely accidental.

Aged 16, with no career or qualifications, his father found him a  job at a local clothing warehouse in his native Nottingham. A cycling accident left him in hospital where he made many new friends.

They talked of Mondrian, Warhol, Kokoshka, David Bailey and listened to the Rolling Stones and Miles Davis. It was then he knew he wanted to be a part of this colourful world of ideas and excitement.

In 1976 Paul showed his first menswear collection in Paris and then went on to establish himself as the pre-eminent British designer.

Designed in Nottingham and London, the collections are produced in England and Italy while the fabrics used are mainly of Italian, French and British origin.