LONDON — Sir Paul Smith turned 80 in July, and is looking forward, to a busy autumn, and backward, with a memoir that launches on Sept. 10.
First up is the opening of an unconventional pop-up at The Corner Shop at Selfridges that runs from Sept. 7 to 19. Smith and Selfridges are marking their 40-year partnership with a takeover that will be part-shop, part-working office. Smith is referring to it as his “dream factory,” and he plans to work from the space, offering shoppers and passersby a glimpse into his private creative world.
The pop-up will showcase Smith’s personal objects, curiosities, photographs, artworks and his own furniture. Original pieces from Smith’s office, including his Mario Bellini Cab chairs, will sit alongside floor-to-ceiling photographs and prints from historic catwalk shows, creating a constantly evolving backdrop.
Some of the merchandise at the Paul Smith pop-up at Selfridges’ Corner Shop.
A Paul Smith edition of the Mini car, which the designer drives to his London studio every day, will be parked inside The Corner Shop. There will also be custom-made Mercian bicycles available to purchase. Both Mercian and Smith, a lifelong cyclist, are celebrating their 80th birthdays this year.
Smith wanted to open the Selfridges pop-up because he believes “in the enduring relevance of physical retail, and [wanted to] bring the creativity, curiosity and energy behind the brand directly into the shop,” the brand said.
Smith is no retail rookie. He opened his first shop in Nottingham in 1970, and still works as a “Saturday boy” at his shop on Albemarle Street in Mayfair, talking to customers about the clothes, furniture and art on display — and ringing up sales.
Paul Smith capsule collection items from the Selfridges Corner Shop.
The Corner Shop will also stock a limited-edition capsule collection, featuring Smith’s archival photographs and details from his office. They have been reimagined into a collection of holdalls, wallets and T-shirts.
During the takeover, Smith will be signing copies of his memoir, “Threads: My Life in Style,” which was co-written with the journalist and author Richard Williams and is being published by Pan Macmillan. It will launch on Sept. 10, the same day Smith plans to give a talk about his life and work at the Southbank Centre in London.
Back at Selfridges, residents and mentors from Paul Smith’s Foundation will host a creative workshop where guests can create their own printed T-shirts. Although he’s not showing at London Fashion Week, Smith is planning an event in collaboration with the British Fashion Council at Selfridges’ new private club, 40 Duke.
