Paul Smith’s Tips For The Modern Day Man

The knighted designer – and the man credited with reviving boxer shorts in the eighties - shares his wisdom for the modern man.

Sir Paul Smith is something of a British success story; he started his company with just one shop in 1970 - he now has over 300 shops worldwide - and he helped to re-brand the humble suit.

It’s thanks to Paul Smith that the suit doesn’t stay hidden in the back of the wardrobe only to come out for weddings and funerals. He helped to make it wearable – and not just inside the office. Not surprisingly then, he was named one of GQ’s 50 Best Dressed Men last year. So, if anyone has an idea of what the modern day man should own, he does. If you think your other half could use a little help in the sartorial department, have him read this.

Swap The Camera On Your Phone For A Real One ‘My Dad was an amateur photographer and he always specialised in the “caught moment” and that's something I've picked up on. I carry a camera with me every day and if you use your eyes, every day life can be very inspiring.’ 

Find A Fragrance For All Occasions ‘Every man needs a good scent that he can wear everywhere. I've always tried to keep an honesty to the fragrances I make; I'm very much involved in the creation of the scent. This one – Paul Smith Essential, £38 for 100ml edt - has notes of patchouli and cedar wood, two of my favourite notes. It smells clean and fresh on just about everyone.’

Wear A Suit You Can Travel In ‘I travel more-or-less every week and wear a suit pretty much everyday, as such I recently realised the importance of having a suit that still looked fresh after travelling. You’ll have experienced this too if you get the train or tube to work. My new ‘Suit To Travel In’ is crease resistant and is made of 100% wool so it's naturally breathable making it very comfortable and commute-friendly.’

Invest In A Stylish Pen ‘For a long time, I've used colourful Caran d'Ache pens and they always attract a lot of comments. Caran d’Ache are marking their centenary this year and to celebrate I’ve selected some of my favourite colours and they’ve created some very limited edition pens.’

Get Yourself A Decent Pair Of Kicks ‘Men's style has evolved so much in the time I've been designing clothes and the recent boom in more formal trainers is one of the most noticeable signs of this. A pair of trainers no longer looks out of place with a suit. Basso’s are my favourite and you'll often find me in a pair of them and a suit while running to catch a train or plane!’

Collect Something That’s Personal To You ‘Every time I have a fashion show my wife, Pauline, gives me a miniature rabbit. I have quite a collection now, they’re all very special to me.’