Always in fashion, Paul Smith is not only a preeminent fashion designer but also an international retail trendsetter who perfected a classic style that exudes a sense of English tradition combined with humor, playfulness, and mischief. This marriage of sophistication and the unexpected has given birth to a style and identity that--40 years and twelve collections later--remains charming, personable, and oh-so-hip. Published in associate with the Design Museum, London, which is hosting a solo exhibition on the Paul Smith brand in Fall 2013, this elaborate volume celebrates not only the line's fashion history, collections, and collaborations, but also the inspirations and obsessions that have helped to transform this small bedroom-sized shop into an innovative global forum for culture and style. Paul Smith is a full-on bright and rich visual experience, illustrated throughout with documentation of its diverse creative community and design inspirations, ranging from Martin Parr, David Bowie, Cy Twombly, the city of Berlin, and Henry Moore, to name a few. Using hand-drawn designs, archival photographs, gorgeous original photography, and engaging essays, this colorful catalog weaves together a compelling visual tale of Paul Smith's prestigious projects and creative processes--from behind-thescenes to on-the-streets--that built this multifaceted empire of cool.