Celebrating Creativity

The book Paul Smith, which will be published in October by Phaidon Verlag, pays tribute to the inexhaustible creative spirit of the legendary British fashion designer and was created with the close collaboration of the designer himself. Through the magnifying glass of 50 objects selected by Sir Paul for the inspiration they have given him over the years, the book presents everything from the very first exhibition in Paris, the shop in London's Floral Street, to the development of the strip, to his latest collections and collaborations. The book presents his work in a surprising and visually compelling way, showing him as a truly dynamic and versatile creative person.

The 50 objects presented in the book have been carefully selected to show not only Sir Paul's work over the years, but also his thought process and the brand's ethos. The objects depicted range from a package of flower seeds to personal family photos - each one has had a significant influence on Sir Paul. 

The objects each highlight a different aspect of his incredible creativity as a designer and are accompanied by thematic lines on such topics as the formality of wearing a suit, the importance of teamwork and the power of humour. The book offers readers a wonderfully colourful insight into one of the most creative minds in the design world today.

The colourful linen cover of the book is inspired by one of the 50 objects in the book: sewing thread wrapped around the box. With this simple piece of cardboard, Sir Paul creates his famous stripes: The yarn is three-dimensional, and only when it is wrapped around the cardboard can you see how the different colours interact and what it will look like when the yarn has become fabric.

This visualization cannot be created on a computer screen. The way the cover wraps itself around to become a cover into which the book slides is inspired by a Filofax - another object Sir Paul chose for the book. This perfectly reflects Sir Paul's design style.

Paul Smith has not only succeeded in building up an internationally renowned fashion brand with stores all over the world, but also in maintaining it as an independent company, giving it lasting relevance - and keeping it true to its own core beliefs.  There is no better way to celebrate the brand's 50th anniversary than with this beautiful new monograph.