PAUL SMITH presents archive print capsule collection for 50th Anniversary

2020 marks the British designer’s 50th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, Paul Smith launches a capsule collection of reimagined archive prints for men and women.

Paul was among the first to introduce photographic print to menswear in the 1980s, establishing his reputation as pioneer in print design. Now this landmark capsule collection honours that tradition by reviving and reworking graphics from the Paul Smith archive.

These archive graphics span a period from 1988 to 2002 and offer a snapshot of Paul’s colourful, graphic and sometimes surrealist approach to print design. The key print in the collection is the spaghetti print, which was first seen in autumn/winter ’94, inspired by a plate of fake shop display spaghetti that Paul discovered during a visit to Tokyo in the 1980s. Other prints feature a shiny green apple and a floral rose motif. The graphics appear on a range of casual jersey pieces, bomber jackets and shirts for men and women. A series of trainers, bags and small accessories complete the range.

To balance this casual, sportswear-inspired offering, a devoré velvet suit adds another element to the capsule collection, while emphasizing Paul’s expertise in tailoring and appreciation of intricate handwork. The red devoré velvet suit comes with an intricate floral pattern on the jacket and trousers. Inside the jacket, a bright rainbow-stripe lining celebrates another of Paul’s famous design signatures.

A 50th anniversary capsule collection of casual menswear and womenswear looks into the vast back-catalogue of photo prints that Paul Smith has created over the years. Archive graphics spanning from 1988 to 2002 offer a snapshot of Paul’s vivid approach to design.

The 50th anniversary of Paul Smith will be marked by the launch of an eponymous book published by Phaidon, which will celebrate Paul’s varied inspirations through portraits of fifty objects. This book is edited by Tony Chambers, with a foreword by Jonathan Ive and weaves together the selected objects along with quotes and contributions from many of Paul’s friends and collaborators from across his fifty years in business.

2020 not only sees the 50th anniversary of Paul Smith, but also the launch of Paul Smith’s Foundation. Launching in September 2020, Paul Smith’s Foundation will give helpful advice to creative people. The digital platform will make available his personal archive of all the advice he has given and received over the last 50 years. Having advised many young people looking to grow their own businesses, he now wants to share his learnings with a wider audience. At a moment of celebrating the past, The Foundation is a testament to Paul’s drive to always look ahead.