Fashion designer Paul Smith chats about creative inspiration and his colourful new interiors collaboration.
WITH 130 BOUTIQUES in more than 60 countries, and an exhibition in his name at the Design Museum in London, Paul Smith is known for his boundary-pushing aesthetic and world-famous signature stripes. A versatile creative with an intuitive approach to design, Smith recently worked closely with Italian interiors and design group Boffi | DePadova to create “Everyday Life”, a range of furniture and accessories that evoke the natural relationship between fashion and design.
As part of this year’s prestigious Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan, the “Everyday Life” installation centred around the kaleidoscopic world of the British designer, his lively curiosity, unparalleled colour sensibility and inspiring career in fashion dating back to the 1970s.
Developed around upholstered furniture and the meticulous details of contemporary living, the collection celebrates a synergy between Paul Smith and De Padova: Smith’s distinctive and discerning eye alongside De Padova’s understanding of refined, modern luxury in the home and office.
My approach to colour is…unexpected.
Luxury is...now a very overused word. You can get everything from luxury handbags to luxury toilet paper! For me, luxury is having time and being with my wife, Pauline.
A piece I recently added to my own collection...I recently took delivery of some very special cycling jerseys from a pro cyclist friend of mine, which I’m delighted about.
I am currently loving…travelling again. I find travel endlessly inspiring. I’ve been to New York, Milan (twice!), Lugano and Paris in the last month, and it feels great!
The collaboration with De Padova in three words: an incredible privilege.
My main creative influences have been…It’s impossible to choose just a few influences. I find inspiration in everything around me. Just by looking and seeing you can get so many different ideas.
To me, design is…staying curious.
When I think of Australian design, I think…modernity and innovation. The Sydney Opera House.
When I want to relax, I…Relax? I don’t know what that means!
I am looking forward to…more of the same: hopefully another 50 years as an independent designer.
