
Making Waves–Marking his second campaign for the season, Miles McMillan steps into the studio for Sir Paul Smith. Fronting the spring/summer 2012 campaign, a softer sense of dress goes a long way against the sharp brim of traditional wear.

Summer in France–The works of artist Louis Bourgeois and director Jean Luc Goddard inspire the latest collection of Paul Smith Jeans. As jackets are gray and bleached, the tapestries of Bourgeois are translated into a subdued color palette that calms. Dressing t-shirts and cuffed shorts, a laid-back attitude is reinforced before heading into the arena of Goddard. Adding more vibrancy and an acid trip of a color array, gradients and other prints decorate the collection’s easy pieces, while denim is treated for a youth-infused outing.

The Calm Before the Storm–Basking in hues of blue and black, Paul Smith sends his men out to sea for his fall/winter 2012 collection. Capturing the iridescent quality of water, various fabric finishes gave the range depth as Smith executed easy garments with a subtle twist. Layering fluorescent colors with darker counterparts, the algae of the sea was translated into a novel idea, while anchors and various sea creatures gave life to charming collection accents.

Paul Smith’s Gentleman–Paul Smith looks to Success model Barnabe Fillion to front modest fall efforts. Dressed in gray suiting, Smith illustrates a subtle wardrobe update with relaxed proportions and a minimal take on lapels.

Traditional Leanings–Strong traditional British suiting is on the schedule for Paul Smith London’s fall 2011 collection. English heritage comes into play as usual with a focus on fabrications featuring cords and tweed. Complemented with “life-style pieces” like vintage bow-ties, semi-precious cuff links and leather belts, the collection is one of the more formal of Paul Smith’s offerings.

Downtown Sophisticate–With folk and maritime as inspirations, PS by Paul Smith presents its fall 2011 collection. Basing the range off of Lauren Dukoff’s photographic book Family about folk musician Devendra Banhart, the brand focuses on strong outerwear pieces, ranging from the parka to the duffle coat. For its color palette, autumn’s collection utilizes predominantly purple and teal with an accent of deep red. Furthermore, sleek pieces allow for layered looks to stay true to the brand’s slim silhouette, as the label produces another solid collection.
Paul Smith may not be known as the famous competitive cyclist as he had hoped to be, but he has become a prominent designer in fashion. Along with his then girlfriend, now wife, Smith opened his first store in Nottingham in 1970. The London-based designer launched his menswear label in 1976 and later created womenswear in 1994. Smith is known for his love for bright contrasting colors, bold prints and impeccable tailoring. The label has expanded into accessories, childrenswear and furniture.