ART FILE 29 | "HELLO, MY NAME IS PAUL SMITH" | Series: From Art Exhibitions Around the World
ART FILE 28 | LONDON, UK | DESIGN MUSEUM
“HELLO, MY NAME IS PAUL SMITH”
The Design Museum in London is hosting “HELLO, MY NAME IS PAUL SMITH,” an exhibition that delves into the mind of fashion designer Paul Smith and explores the secrets behind his creations. The show reveals how “Paul Smith” was born and continues to evolve, looking back at his career to date.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Recreating His First Tiny Shop and Office
Paul Smith began by presenting a small menswear collection in a Paris hotel suite in 1976. Today, he presents menswear collections in Paris and womenswear collections in London each season, growing into a brand with numerous lines.
Despite the brand’s scale, the spirit of “something unique” and “personal touch” has consistently flowed through its core.
This exhibition explores the world of Paul Smith’s creations, inspirations, collaborations, wit, and beauty built up over his career. It unveils the brand’s journey by delving into Paul’s personal archives and examines the designer’s essence from a unique perspective.
The venue features recreations of Paul’s first shop, a tiny 3-meter square space in Nottingham, England, and his office, crammed with countless books and objects that serve as his endless sources of inspiration. In addition to clothing, accessories, books, art, and antique items that complement his apparel collections are displayed, along with items selected by Paul himself, showcasing the designer’s creative process.
Furthermore, a digital room with still images and videos includes narration by Paul himself over the visual works, drawing visitors into the designer’s mind with a host of engaging elements.





