Paul Smith
Paul Smith celebrates the tenth anniversary this week of his fabulous Portobello shop Westbourne House. Although I don’t lust after his clothing – it’s a bit too commercial for me – I do adore the aesthetic and the style of Paul Smith as a brand and I always find something to buy in his shops whether it’s a photography book, an astronaut pen or a roll of novelty sellotape. When I was a student I found an LP in a second hand shop called Memories of Paris by (another) Paul Smith. Thinking its kitschness was totally Paul Smith I took it along to the shop in Floral Street. I don’t know quite what I expected them to do with it but sure enough they loved it and thanked me with four rainbow-coloured Paul Smith toothbrushes. I’d like to think my little offering is still alive somewhere in his basement where he keeps his huge archive of knick knacks (think old books, toy cars, globes and other random bits and bobs that Smith has collected over time or been given or sent by his many fans). Apart from anything else, Smith always comes across as a lovely man who would be great fun to work for and learn from. My friend B once said she wishes he was her dad and I know exactly what she means! Paul Smith is also the only company I can think of that calls journalists to apologise for not being able to honour the request for a show invitation. Imagine! This is no random gesture, if you read Smith’s book You Can Find Inspiration in Everything, you will find that everything about the company is thought through and huge attention is paid to detail and how to do things differently. I hadn’t picked it up for years but reading it this weekend I realised that this book itself is hugely inspiring if you’re having a creative block. It teaches you to look at things differently and think outside the box.
indigo16
12 May, 2008 @ 10:44 am
I agree the book is brilliant and his ethos for living is inspirational, as is his love for his wife after so many years. Once when we were in his shop he stopped in his tracks declared Daisy a beautiful baby and gave her a toothbrush! We have never let her forget it.
pretty face
12 May, 2008 @ 11:32 am
Paul Smith shop in Covent Gardens is fabulous, absolutely perfect for ogling sexy men dressed as dandies!
I want to hear Memories in Paris now, you know there’s a beautiful piece by Michel Petrucianni called Memories in Paris, it must be a popular song name.
Super Kawaii Mama
12 May, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Although I am not all that into Paul Smith clothing, I do love the interiors of his store. After seeing a wonderful burgundy flocked chandelier in a photo of his store, I proceeded to take apart an old chandelier and flock each crystal, piece by piece. Wonderful
susie_bubble
12 May, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
I’m like you…like the aesthetic/approach… not really into the clothing…. loved the ES Mag article on him…
Blue Floppy Hat
13 May, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
Paul Smith has always been a brand I liked, even if access to the actual clothes isn’t happening for me. But it’s still amazing that he has this vision in the first place..
Make Do & Mend
13 May, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
He is truly a gifted designer in terms of longevity and succes without any issues! His perfume Rose which is made in ‘honour’ of his wife is gorgeous – it is my summer tipple!
I must read the book sounds fab.
Make Do & Mend
13 May, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
He is truly a gifted designer in terms of longevity and succes without any issues! His perfume Rose which is made in ‘honour’ of his wife is gorgeous – it is my summer tipple!
I must read the book sounds fab.
Make Do & Mend
13 May, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
He is truly a gifted designer in terms of longevity and succes without any issues! His perfume Rose which is made in ‘honour’ of his wife is gorgeous – it is my summer tipple!
I must read the book sounds fab.
Make Do & Mend
13 May, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
He is truly a gifted designer in terms of longevity and succes without any issues! His perfume Rose which is made in ‘honour’ of his wife is gorgeous – it is my summer tipple!
I must read the book sounds fab.
etoilee8
14 May, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
We used to have that book in a shop I worked in, in London. Now you’re making me want to check it out the prices on Amazon. . . I forgot what an inspiration it was, and how much fun I had peaking at it from time to time.
miss cavendish
14 May, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
I adore the Paul Smith shops too. And that LP cover is a delight!