FASHION ICON: SIR PAUL SMITH

Sir Paul Smith is a fashion industry legend, a menswear maestro who created his eponymous label and grew it into a multi-million dollar empire. Although, now venerated around the globe for his impeccable taste, Smith’s roots are humble: Born into a working-class family in a provincial English town; opening a small shop in Nottingham where he first began designing and getting noticed; and on to Paris where he first showed his menswear collection in 1976. Since then, the label has developed into a powerhouse fashion brand, with a cult following in Japan, and a global fan base that reveres his quirky twists on classic tailoring. Over the decades his signature multicoloured stripes have found fans among aesthetes everywhere – including Jack Nicholson, Harrison Ford and David Bowie. The Paul Smith brand celebrates its 50th anniversary this year: Half a century of pioneering style, independence and creativity. And to mark the occasion, Sir Paul is doing what all true legends do: Giving back, by working through his foundation to empower and enrich the creative class across the planet.

- CHE KURRIEN

Congratulations on this 50-year milestone! What does it mean to you?

To be in business as an independent brand for 50 years feels amazing. Having longevity these days is unusual, especially in fashion. What’s worked is the loyalty of my customers, keeping my feet on the ground, constantly reassessing, never sitting back and always staying humble.

What’s been your creative secret sauce?

Putting out wearable clothes, but with an element of surprise – like a buttonhole in an unexpected colour. The fact that my clothes are wearable is the key point. When you go to the [fashion] shows, a lot of the looks are sensational but they don’t sell. They’re there just to grab attention. The clothes we make have character, are a bit edgy, but are always wearable.