The Essential Englishman

Sir Paul Smith talks about humble beginnings, going global and staying spontaneous after 50 years in the business

- Jing Zhang

HALF A CENTURY, by any measure, is a milestone that warrants reflection. British designer Sir Paul Smith is doing just that in his Covent Garden office, a place instantly recognisable from the piles of books, walls covered with artwork and a vast collection of curios from around the world.

“After 50 years, one of the most joyful things [of the business] is being an independent company,” he says. “But equally that’s also the biggest burden right now, as there isn’t the support system of a big group. But we’ve been good, and the great joy of independence is spontaneity.”

This uneasy year for fashion has signalled a recalibration of a well-worn system. There have been the obvious stressors, but even with a cancelled show and international book tour, he hasn’t become too emotional over the recent state of affairs, as he has “been too busy with everything else”.

A New Beginning

“I honestly think that, out of 2020, the affection for a brand that’s so down to earth and real will hopefully shine through in a greedy corporate world,” he says. “Younger people, who are more socially and environmentally conscious, will hopefully take note.”