After a 6-month stay in hospital following a cycling accident, 17-year-old Paul Smith arranged to meet friends he made there at a nearby pub that was popular with local art students. Enraptured by that colorful world, Smith made up his mind to become part of it. Within 2 years, in 1970, he went from managing a small boutique to opening his own shop. Paul took evening tailoring classes and showed his inaugural collection in 1976. Over 40 years later, Paul Smith remains at the helm of the lifestyle brand as head designer, offering 14 namesake collections covering men’s, women’s, accessories, and housewares.