'IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT HAVING A LOVELY DAY' - Paul Smith

Paul Smith 

Gentleman Designer 

Photographer

'Don't want to be normal or boring, you want to be something different.'

Shop was opened in '82. 

Inspirations for prints from books of samples from the 1800's. 

180 I'm the building including designers, marketing and press Etc. Added a little extra detail to a plain white shirt to appeal to people who wanted to be a little different 'without looking silly.'

Print meetings; talk about moodboards, prints a lot of discussion with designers and print designers and so on. Collections based on rock stars in suits and gorilla coats, record sleeves etc. 

'You can find inspiration in everything.' - Paul Smith 

Portobello Street market on a Friday. Smith talks to Tony who comes into work at Retro Styling. 

Was a child of the 60's, a very creative time, a lot of rule breaking in terms of design, print, fashion. Strong element of dandy-ism, men rebelling against their classic upbringing. 

Christopher Sharp - Founder of the Rug Company. 

Left school at 15 years old always worked in shops. Key to a good salesperson: 

- honesty

- enthusiasm 

People began talking about Bauhaus, Pop Art etc wondered if he could have careers in this industry. Opened a boutique shop up in Nottingham. 

Show in '78 half walked out half loved it, they give the audience a lot of colour, raspberry, ochre etc. 

 Use male models with long hair, who don't look like perfect boys, a lot of inspiration from rock music. Old album covers of Pink Floyd, Led Zeplin, Jimmy Page, Jimmy Hendrix, the clothes are extreme, a lot of prints still we'll tailored. 

'The most uniquely British designer,' - Hamish Bowels. 

 A 'good luck' rabbit for each show. 60 shows. 

Smith did a lot for men, allowed wearing flowers or jazzy socks to be seen as rock'n'roll. 

Has the balance between having the hat of a business man and the hat of the designer. Often designers develop to big an ego and distance themselves from their employees and customers. 

TOKYO. Is there for store openings to give the brand essence. 

'Maybe a bit of luck but also about personality.'

Bruce Weber - artist/photographer. 

 'Sometimes thinks they should be more 'fashionable' in order to be taken more seriously by fashion magazines, but on the other hand you reach more people this was, and that suits me fine.' 

He see's things that others don't see. 

'It was always about having lovely day.'