Paul Smith Shoes - There’s a Pair for Everyone

Paul Smith’s signature style of adding a bit of twist to the classic has made him a legend in the fashion industry. Paul Smith is undoubtedly one of the most highly-acclaimed designers in the world today. After thirty years as a top designer for men’s wear, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, as recognition for his hard work and contribution to fashion.

The Paul Smith fashion house, with its twelve collections, offers a variety of designer items including men’s wear, women’s wear, bags, accessories and various home items. Paul Smith items bear the signature “definitive stripe” or the multi-color stripe that has become the Paul Smith trademark. Some items, however, sport a different mark - a bit of mischief like a naked lady print or flowers in the lining. Whatever it is, Paul Smith always manages to add quirk to his designs.

It is quite easy to imagine multi-color stripes, naked ladies and flowers on ties, belts, bags and everything else including women’s shoes, but definitely not on men’s shoes.

Paul Smith men’s shoes are fast becoming extremely popular worldwide with their universal classic appeal and modern touch. Somehow, Paul Smith has managed integrate the “definitive stripe” in some of the more casual and sporty men’s shoes. And, yes, the flowers have made it to the Paul Smith 2009 Cervantes shoe which is completely covered with roses. The naked lady, however, still remains to be seen.

Paul Smith shoes are extremely durable and comfortable to wear. The designs are practical and versatile as Paul Smith understands the need for shoes which can be worn anytime and anywhere. That is not to say that Paul Smith shoes are ordinary. Paul Smith’s attention to detail makes them stand out. Perhaps one of the trendiest and most stylish men’s shoes collections, Paul Smith shoes

There is a perfect Paul Smith shoe for every occasion. The most popular, however, are the Paul Smith Canvas sneakers. These come in a variety of prints and colors including plaids. And of course, every Paul Smith trainer comes with the signature multi-color stripe. Very sporty yet stylish, it is easy to understand why it tops the list.

For a casual or formal look, brogue Paul Smith lace-up shoes are the perfect choice. The Paul Smith brogues come in colored suede or dip dyed wash leather. The suede colors are fun and whimsical, reminding us that these are indeed Paul Smith shoes. For instance, there’s pistachio, pink, red, denim and bluebird, aside from the classic black, brown and tan.

For more laid-back days, Paul Smith slip-on loafers are the obvious pick. Like the brogue, these are also made with dip dyed wash leather and come in vibrant colors like the purple Marcello loafers.

Whoever says that men’s shoes can’t be both trendy and classy has probably never seen Paul Smith shoes. Men’s shoes need not be boring, drab or unremarkable anymore. Finally, Paul Smith is putting an end to monotony. All it takes is a small twist.

Paul Smith Accessories - Making a Statement

What sets apart chic from drab? The answer is obvious to Paul Smith who believes that the classic should always come with a small twist.  One of the world’s most prominent designers and marketing genius, Paul Smith, whose fashion empire has invaded the world with his perfectly tailored clothing lines, has created a whole range of accessories that will absolutely get you noticed.  Each meticulously and carefully designed by the hand of Paul Smith, the Paul smith accessories are, in and by itself, a masterpiece and a fashion statement.

Paul Smith bags accessories include men’s bags, women’s handbags, belts, gloves, hats purses, scarves, socks, cufflinks, ties, wallets, beach towels, handkerchief, jewelry, key rings, stationery, sunglasses, umbrellas and watches. Whenever fashionably appropriate, most of his accessories bear the signature multi-color stripe that defines Paul Smith.  Popularly known as the “definite stripe”, the 14-color multi-stripe which was created by the designer himself, finds its way to adorn Paul Smith accessories in gorgeous and innovative ways.

Men’s Accessories

Imagine stripey cufflinks on a tailored classic.  It will surely catch everyone’s attention!  It goes to show that a singular and small detail can take you from being well-dressed to fabulous.   Paul Smith’s genius is evident in his designs.  He keeps them fashionably quirky by adding just a dab of excitement and never goes overboard.   After all, simplicity and elegance with understated boldness in the most minute detail defines a true Paul Smith classic.

Paul Smith accessories are also known for small hidden surprises.  Take a peek behind a conservative-looking silk-woven tie and you should probably see a floral lining with daisies or roses.  One of Paul Smith’s bestselling belts even comes with a naked lady printed on the inside of the belt tip!  Obviously, no creation of Paul Smith’s can ever escape his humor.

Women’s Accessories

Though Paul Smith’s fame and recognition first came from his outstanding menswear collection, the women’s line and women’s accessories are as creative, stunning and captivating.

Over the years, Paul Smith’s stylish and playful handbags have gained immense popularity and have taken their place alongside high-end designer brands.  In 2010, instead of the usual “definitive stripe”, Paul Smith gave it a bit of a swirl and introduced the beautiful swirl collection.  The current Paul Smith handbag collection includes:

• The Jay bag
• The Violet bag and the Violet tote
• The Alicia Tote
• The Tara Tote
• Swirl Bag
• Subdued Swirl Bag
• Kenzi clutch
• Isobel tote

Paul Smith accessories are coveted by women who want a splash of color without compromising practicality and elegance. 

Paul Smith’s Project 10 Bags Collection

In April 2009, Paul Smith launched the Project 10 Bags collection exclusively in Japan as a retort to mass production and commercialism.  He used one of his popular bag shapes, the “Flight Bag”, and created 138 individual unique prints.  Each design was to be sold by a particular Paul Smith Japan outlet.  Of each design, only 10 bags were made - a guarantee that every customer will have something quite unique and special.

Paul Smith - Classic with a Twist

Paul Smith wanted nothing more than to be a racing cyclist but a terrible cycling accident prevented him from achieving his ambition.  The death of his dream, however, allowed him to discover new interests and make new goals.  After he recovered from his injuries, he befriended a group of art and design students with whom he shared creative ideas.  Paul Smith knew from then on that he wanted to be a fashion designer.  What he didn’t know then was that he was going to become one of the world’s most celebrated and revered British fashion designers.

Paul Smith’s Real Race

Paul Smith, with the encouragement of his wife, Pauline Denyer,  took tailoring classes.  In 1970, Paul Smith managed to open his first shop by scrounging up their savings and in 1976, he introduced the Paul Smith label where he showcased his first collection in menswear.   In 1982, amidst the fashion explosion in Japan, he was approached by a Japanese licensing scout and was offered an opportunity to sell his designs to the Japanese market.  Paul Smith eagerly accepted the challenge.  Owing to his well-tailored, sophisticated and classic designs and the Japanese people’s fascination with British culture and fashion, Paul Smith was a huge hit in Japan.

Paul Smith’s Triumph

Today, Paul Smith designs are sold in over 35 countries.  Its numerous outlets are found in London, Paris, Nottingham, Milan, Hong Kong, New York, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Japan, and China.  In Japan alone, there are 200 Paul Smith outlets.  Among these stores, the biggest and the most impressive are those in London, Paris, Milan, New York and Tokyo.

Paul Smith’s fashion empire has ballooned and diversified into twelve collections offering a huge selection of shoes, bags, accessories, home furnishings, pens, stationery, watches, fragrance and even furniture.

In 2000, Sir Paul Smith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his hard work and contribution to the British fashion industry for almost thirty years, being one of the most prominent and respected British menswear designers.

The Definitive Stripe

Paul Smith’s ‘classic with a twist’ style is evident in the presence of “the definitive stripe” in each of his creations. The 14-color multistripe reflects the designer’s personality - happy and optimistic.  It also defines his style - classic and quirky. Created by Paul Smith himself, the definitive stripe originally had 20 multi-colored stripes but since it would be too costly to make, he reduced the number to 14.  The multistripe was also to be used only for one season but due to public clamor and demand, it became a constant element in every Paul Smith fashion and became the brand’s logo and trademark and Paul Smith’s signature. 

Classic with a Twist

Paul Smith describes his fashion as “classic with a twist”.  Incidentally, the story of Paul Smith’s life, his humble beginnings, broken dreams, unexpected turn of events and phenomenal success, is definitely a classic, and one with a twist.

Paul Smith's Love of Cycling Translates into New Line for Rapha

Paul Smith's affinity for cycling is well known, perhaps less so is that Smith was on his way to a professional riding career when he was sidelined by injury in his late teens. While laid up after his accident Smith met the people who would eventually lead him in the direction of fashion and design, a career that has proved not only to be immensely successful, but also very lucrative. Now Paul smith is joining his love of cycling to his career in design by creating a capsule collection for premiere cycling brand Rapha. The collection will include a lot of black, purple and white, as well as exclusive cycling prints created especially for Paul smith accessories and Rapha. You will also be able to see the slogan "Freedom of the Open Road" on many of the products in Paul Smith's trademark script.

The Paul Smith for Rapha capsule collection includes stylish windbreakers in purple and black as well as the classic Rapha Grand Tour Gloves given the stylish Paul Smith treatment. Made to last with double stitching in areas that wear out easily, these gloves are high on quality and style. The supple leather gloves feature piping in Paul smith shoes  iconic stripe pattern and fasten with a durable Velcro strap. It's advised to buy this limited edition product a little tight as they will stretch out to take the form of your hand during wearing for the ideal fit.

In addition to cycling apparel the line also includes several Paul Smith accessories like leather wallets and credit card holders. The billfold wallet above is fashioned from smooth, fine-grain calf leather that features a white stitch detail. Inside the wallet is embossed with the Paul Smith signature and features an exclusive print ("Mini with Cyclists") of a photograph of the Rapha Condor Sharp cycling team and a multi-colour stripe Paul Smith Mini. The inside lining is a vibrant purple, echoing the other colours used in the collection.

You will also find several Paul Smith designed bags in the collection including messenger and crossbody styles. The above Paul Smith Wash Bag is made of high quality canvas with leather accents and comes in two prints--the "Mini with Cyclists" previously mentioned and "Cycling Jerseys," a print based on photographs by Rouleur photographers. This wash bag, like all the pieces in the Paul smith shoes for Rapha collection, focuses on functionality, quality and of course, the distinct style that can only be Paul Smith.