Sir Paul Smith - ‘People In Fashion Are Insecure’

Sir Paul Smith is one of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers, renowned for his sharp tailoring and his sartorial flair. His clothes have an innate sense of mischief: brightly coloured linings, unexpected stripes and a determination never to take themselves too seriously. His devoted clients include Gary Oldman, Bill Nighy and Matty Healy, who wore a Paul Smith suit for his recent wedding.

Behind the stripes and the suits is a man with a simple life philosophy: stay humble, work hard, be kind. On this episode we talk about the cycling accident that set him on a path to fashion and how he’s kept his global business independent for 56 years. Plus, the secret to a long marriage, what tailoring teaches him about people’s insecurities - and why he wore a suit every day during the Covid lockdowns.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Intro

03:40 Tailoring for Everyone

06:48 The Pink Wall Story

08:31 Stripes and Reinvention

10:20 Turning 80

11:33 Cycling Freedom and Family

18:20 Crash That Changed Everything

24:20 Pauline Sets The Standard

25:19 Keeping Love And Work Balanced