Style & Substance

A childhood crash may have dashed fashion designer Paul Smith’s pro cycling hopes, but CW discovers it never quelled his passion for all things bike

- Simon Schofield

If there is the faintest of doubt that Paul Smith’s lifelong love for cycling is dimming as he enters his eighth decade, it is dispelled instantly.

“Cav’s just been in with a bike for me!” he exclaims, the puppyish enthusiasm for a new bike more befitting an excited teenager than the distinguished head of a worldwide fashion empire.

“He’s just built it up for me down here in the garage — Mark Cavendish has just made me a bike,” Smith continues, and the breathless delight is contagious. “He’s also turned up with four new jerseys for me,” he gushes.

The objects of desire will be added to Smith’s collection — which is probably one of the finest and most inspired collections of bikes, clothing, memorabilia and magazines in the world.

It spans most of Smith’s 70 years — he began collecting as a 10-year-old when he’d save pocket money to buy what, at the time, were exotic and difficult to obtain foreign magazines documenting the sport with which he is obsessed.

And he has continued to collect all his life, scouring street markets in Italy and France and sourcing interesting cycling objects as he travels the world overseeing the 300 shops that have made the Paul Smith name a respected global fashion brand.

His success in the fashion business has let him acquire just about anything cycling-related he wants to own. And his genuine and infectious passion also means he’s a magnet for gift-giving.

Coy collector

From the most famous pro cyclists in the world to ordinary members of the public, Smith is the delighted recipient of all manner of cycling paraphernalia, from bikes to clothing and beyond.

“I’m not really a collector,” laughs Smith. “But I do have a large quantity of the same thing.”