·       Sir Paul Smith recognised by City of London for outstanding contribution to British fashion and design

·       Legendary designer’s brand spans five continents, more than 50 countries and 1,700 points of distribution, with Paul Smith’s Foundation launched in 2020 to mark 50 years in business

·       “Truly wonderful to receive the Freedom of the City of London”: Sir Paul Smith on City’s recognition

One of the most successful fashion designers of his generation, Sir Paul Smith, has received the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British fashion and design.

Sir Paul, who was nominated by the Chair of the Barbican Centre Board and former Lord Mayor, Sir William Russell, and the City Corporation’s Lead Member for SME growth in the City of London, Shravan Joshi, attended his ceremony at Guildhall today.

From a single three-by-three-metre shop in Nottingham, Paul Smith has grown into a globally recognised design brand, with a presence across five continents, over 50 countries and 1,700 points of distribution. Paul Smith has remained ‘proudly independent for over 56 years, with the business continuing to reflect the vision and creative spirit of its founder.’

In 2020, he launched Paul Smith’s Foundation to mark 50 years in business, with a mission to equip emerging creative talent across fashion, art, and design with the business skills, knowledge and confidence to build sustainable careers. For three years, the Foundation has run dedicated business mentoring programmes in fashion and art, made possible through partnerships with the City of London Corporation, PROJEKT, the Mayor of London, and Winsor & Newton. 

One of the programmes, The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, was established in 2024 by the Mayor of London, PROJEKT, and Paul Smith’s Foundation, and with support from the City of London Corporation. It champions emerging fashion talent by providing selected designers with free central London studio space, industry mentorship, and business training to support their creative vision and business growth.

Sir Paul was knighted in the 2000 Birthday Honours and, in the 2020 Birthday Honours, he was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) for services to fashion.

He celebrated his 80th birthday in July this year and published his memoir, Threads: My Life in Style, in September.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Sir Paul Smith said:

“It’s truly wonderful to receive the Freedom of the City of London.

“I first opened my shop on Floral Street in Covent Garden back in 1979, and London has been such an important part of my life ever since. The city has changed enormously over the years, but what I’ve always loved is its extraordinary mix of people, creativity, and ideas. 

"I feel very lucky that Paul Smith has been a small part of that story, and it’s a real pleasure to have our contribution recognised.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

“Throughout his career, Sir Paul has built a strong international reputation and made a significant contribution to British fashion and the UK economy.

“We have been delighted to welcome him and his guests to Guildhall today to admit him into the Freedom.”

Alderman Sir William Russell said: 

“Tailor-made for Sir Paul, his Freedom of the City of London is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contribution to British fashion, design, and cultural life over the last 50 years.

“He has shown the world the very best of British creativity - original, colourful, confident, and with a dash of wit – so it is a pleasure to celebrate a designer whose influence extends far beyond fashion.”

Elected Member Shravan Joshi said:

“Sir Paul Smith’s commitment to the next generation of designers, alongside his growing presence in the City, can act as a magnet for creative SMEs, helping build the clusters of talent, enterprise, and innovation that allow small businesses to flourish here.

“I offer him my congratulations on receiving the Freedom , which is richly deserved.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent notable recipients include composer and theatre impresario, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber; former professional football player and manager, Sir Geoff Hurst; journalist and broadcaster, Alison Mitchell; City of London Police Commander Umer Khan; and former British Ambassador to the US, Dame Karen Pierce.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Paul Smith:

Rooted in British design heritage, Paul Smith is celebrated for its distinctive approach to design, combining traditional craftsmanship with a curious, playful, and often unexpected perspective. Recognised as a leading name in tailoring, Paul Smith’s collections span menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and homeware.

With a unique ability to balance heritage with innovation, Paul Smith continues to maintain its global relevance, while remaining true to the independent spirit and creative curiosity on which the business was founded.

Widely regarded as a master shopkeeper, Sir Paul spends every Saturday on the shop floor of his Albemarle Street store in London, meeting customers and maintaining the personal connection that has defined the brand since its beginnings.

www.paulsmith.com