Paul Smith
Privately held (Paul Smith majority, Itochu minority) · United Kingdom
Paul Smith is a British fashion brand founded in 1970 when designer Paul Smith opened his first shop in Nottingham. It remains privately held with Smith as majority shareholder and Japan's Itochu holding 40 percent since 2006, and it is known for British tailoring with playful details.
| Founded | 1970, Nottingham |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sir Paul Smith |
| Owner | Paul Smith (majority); Itochu 40% since 2006 |
| Headquarters | Nottingham, United Kingdom |
| Stores | 130 in more than 60 countries (November 2025) |
| Website | paulsmith.com |
What is Paul Smith?
Paul Smith is a British designer brand best known for menswear that combines classic tailoring with colour, prints and unexpected details. The company sells clothing, shoes, accessories and eyewear for men, women and children and is headquartered in Nottingham, where it began.
History
Paul Smith opened his first shop on Byard Lane in Nottingham in 1970. He presented his first menswear collection in Paris in 1976, and the first Japanese store opened in Tokyo in 1984. Paul Smith Women was launched in 1993, the same year the company acquired the workwear label R. Newbold. In 2006 Itochu bought a 40 percent stake, while Smith kept the majority. Since January 2016 the brand has shown its men's and women's collections together during Paris Fashion Week.
Products and positioning
- Paul Smith: the main line, including tailoring, shirts and accessories
- PS Paul Smith: a more casual line
- Paul Smith Women, since 1993
- Paul Smith Junior: childrenswear
The brand positions itself in the upper premium segment, with tailoring and shirts at its core and colourful stripes as a recurring signature.
Business model and distribution
Paul Smith sells through its own stores, online and through wholesale partners. Wikipedia reports that, as of November 2025, the brand had 130 stores in more than 60 countries, with significant presences in the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and the United States.
Why it matters
Paul Smith is one of the best known independent British fashion companies and a long running example of founder ownership combined with a strategic partner. Its early and sustained success in Japan has made it a reference for British brands entering Asian markets. The combination of a founder who remains closely involved in the business and a long term trading partner provides stability that many independent labels lack, while the Nottingham base keeps the company's identity rooted in its origins.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Paul Smith?
Paul Smith is privately held. Founder Paul Smith holds the majority stake, and Japanese trading company Itochu bought 40 percent in 2006.
Where is Paul Smith from?
Paul Smith is a British brand from Nottingham, England, where the founder opened his first shop in 1970. The company is still headquartered there.