Description

Book Synopsis

A groundbreaking monograph capturing the unique spirit and one-of-a-kind creativity of British fashion icon Sir Paul Smith through his personal selection of 50 inspirational objects and designs

Created in close collaboration with design legend Sir Paul Smith, Paul Smith celebrates the iconic brand through the lens of 50 diverse objects, personally selected by Sir Paul himself for the inspiration they have provided him over the years.

These carefully-chosen objects have impacted Sir Paul's worldview, creative process, and adherence to a design approach that's imbued with distinctly British wit and eccentricity. Every featured item illuminates a different aspect of the designer's work and leads to discussions on subjects as varied as the formality of a suit, the importance of teamwork, and the power of humor.

Opening with a foreword by Jonathan Ive, former chief design officer of Apple, Paul Smith also includes unique contributions - personal letters, drawings, and photos - from fashion and design icons Manolo Blahnik, James Dyson, Martin Parr, John Pawson, and Alice Rawsthorn.

The book's colorful cloth cover takes its inspiration from yarn wound around card, which, as well as being one of the 50 objects chosen by Sir Paul to feature in the book, also shows how he creates his famous and iconic stripes.

Exploring everything from Sir Paul's very first show in Paris and his cult Floral Street store in London, to the evolution of his iconic stripes and his most recent collections and collaboration, this book provides the ultimate insight into the world of one of the most creative minds working in design today.



Trade Review

"Books have traced the lives of great designers before, but few serve to double as a visual history of British popular culture. What this book deftly demonstrates is that Smith has not just been going for 50 years, he’s been interwoven with our national aesthetic for 50 years."—Esquire

"The most loved man in fashion. "– The Financial Times

"He's still got it. "– GQ

"Paul Smith brings together 50 objects from the past five decades that encapsulate his unique ability to find inspiration in everything."– Vogue

"Fifty years in the business and this always sharply suited designer is still causing a stir, most recently thanks to an anniversary-marking monograph... no coffee table will be complete without it."– Living Etc.

"Tells the story of 50 objects salvaged from the snow drift of stuff that covers every inch of his office."– Wallpaper*

Paul Smith

    Product form

    £49.95

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 30 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Tony Chambers

    10 in stock


      View other formats and editions of Paul Smith by Tony Chambers

      Publisher: Phaidon Press Ltd
      Publication Date: 01/10/2020
      ISBN13: 9781838661274, 978-1838661274
      ISBN10: 1838661271

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A groundbreaking monograph capturing the unique spirit and one-of-a-kind creativity of British fashion icon Sir Paul Smith through his personal selection of 50 inspirational objects and designs

      Created in close collaboration with design legend Sir Paul Smith, Paul Smith celebrates the iconic brand through the lens of 50 diverse objects, personally selected by Sir Paul himself for the inspiration they have provided him over the years.

      These carefully-chosen objects have impacted Sir Paul's worldview, creative process, and adherence to a design approach that's imbued with distinctly British wit and eccentricity. Every featured item illuminates a different aspect of the designer's work and leads to discussions on subjects as varied as the formality of a suit, the importance of teamwork, and the power of humor.

      Opening with a foreword by Jonathan Ive, former chief design officer of Apple, Paul Smith also includes unique contributions - personal letters, drawings, and photos - from fashion and design icons Manolo Blahnik, James Dyson, Martin Parr, John Pawson, and Alice Rawsthorn.

      The book's colorful cloth cover takes its inspiration from yarn wound around card, which, as well as being one of the 50 objects chosen by Sir Paul to feature in the book, also shows how he creates his famous and iconic stripes.

      Exploring everything from Sir Paul's very first show in Paris and his cult Floral Street store in London, to the evolution of his iconic stripes and his most recent collections and collaboration, this book provides the ultimate insight into the world of one of the most creative minds working in design today.



      Trade Review

      "Books have traced the lives of great designers before, but few serve to double as a visual history of British popular culture. What this book deftly demonstrates is that Smith has not just been going for 50 years, he’s been interwoven with our national aesthetic for 50 years."—Esquire

      "The most loved man in fashion. "– The Financial Times

      "He's still got it. "– GQ

      "Paul Smith brings together 50 objects from the past five decades that encapsulate his unique ability to find inspiration in everything."– Vogue

      "Fifty years in the business and this always sharply suited designer is still causing a stir, most recently thanks to an anniversary-marking monograph... no coffee table will be complete without it."– Living Etc.

      "Tells the story of 50 objects salvaged from the snow drift of stuff that covers every inch of his office."– Wallpaper*

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