The King of print

In the same year The Beatles broke up, Paul Smith opened a small shop in Nottingham selling pieces designed by himself along with labelled clothing.

From humble beginnings, his eponymous brand became notable for its cutting-edge designs and inventive use of traditional craftsmanship.

Sir Paul still holds a majority stake in the independent fashion house, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The milestone is marked by a capsule collection, a book and the launch of Paul Smith’s Foundation.

A native of Nottingham, England, Sir Paul was an avid cyclist until the age of 17 when a road accident changed his life.

Afterwards, design, music and fashion became the teenager’s new interests. At the age of 21, he met his now-wife Pauline who was…