Paul’s very first shop at 6 Byard Lane, Nottingham, was a place for him to not only show his own designs, but to present his burgeoning customer base with his favourite items from other makers. One such item was a particularly excellent pair of painter’s trousers, imported from the US courtesy of a specialist denim and workwear brand called Lee.
More than 50 years later, we’re excited to bring that transatlantic connection full circle, as we introduce Paul Smith + Lee, a limited-edition collection that reimagines classic Lee workwear pieces in a uniquely Paul Smith way. We enlisted six friends of Paul Smith – two musicians, a photographer, a dancer, a painter, and a lawyer – to demonstrate the collaboration’s easy-going appeal.
A London-born singer, rapper and guitarist.
Hak
Hak keeps things simple in one of the collection’s standout pieces – a vintage-style railroad jacket, constructed from an unusual pinstripe denim. The combination of workwear silhouette and unexpected fabric perfectly encapsulates the collaboration’s playful approach.
A human rights lawyer.
Henry
Henry wears a double denim look, comprised of an overdyed western shirt, with a floral motif laser printed onto it, and washed jeans. This is completed with a white graphic t-shirt.
A classically trained dancer.
Deneille
Deneille wears a pinstripe denim chore jacket, layered over a collarless jacket in floral jacquard denim. These pieces combine Lee’s workwear pedigree with Paul Smith’s central design philosophy of ‘classic with a twist.’
A New York-based painter and writer.
Emil
Practical and understated, Emil’s look demonstrates the collection’s rugged simplicity, with a white t-shirt contrasted against dark denim.
An electronic musician and model.
Suren
A layered look that takes in all aspects of the collaboration, Suren wears the pinstripe denim railroad jacket worn over a quarter-zip sweatshirt, with a collared shirt underneath.
A photographer and vintage collector.
Eddie
Eddie wears the Storm Rider jacket – one of Lee’s most iconic designs – which has been given a Paul Smith twist courtesy of a Signature Stripe blanket lining.
Discover More
Collaborations
Paul Smith Collaborations
Collaboration has long been central to Paul Smith’s philosophy. Here you’ll find all the details about our latest partnerships with like-minded brands like Manchester United, MINI and Factor Bikes.
Shows
SS25 Men's Show
The collection made its debut at Pitti Uomo in Florence, at the historic Villa Favard, which we temporarily transformed into Bar Paul – a loving recreation of the all-night Italian cafes which Paul frequented in his own ‘60s Soho days.
06.24
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Words: Nathan Sharp
03.25