PAUL SMITH ‘STAMPED OBJECTS’ AT HOLT RENFREW

Words by Matt James

Wednesday evening, Calgary Fashion had the chance to go to the Paul Smith opening event at Holt Renfrew. It was a great night of music, fashion, food and drinks. As always with Holt Renfrew, the evening catered to please with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a DJ. The evening was a showcase of Paul Smiths new S/S 11 mens collection as well as the Paul Smith Stamped Objects  Exhibition displaying some of the quirky items the larger than life designer has received from fans over the years.

Sir. Paul Smith has been designing for over three decades now. He began in England wanting to be a racing cyclist before a cycling accident ended that dream. Shortly after he began his career as a fashion designer. Smith began taking evening tailoring classes and in 1970 opened his very first shop with the help of his then girlfriend, now wife, Pauline Denyer.

By 1976 he showed his first menswear collection in Paris. Paul Smith has continued to grow since then, debuting his first women’s collection in 1998 and continuing it on today.

In 2000, Paul Smith gained one of the greatest titles in 2000 when he was  knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The S/S 11 collection includes many of Paul Smiths signatures, with bright colors, playful designs and great tailoring. The collection is very wearable and classic but also Paul Smith fun as well.

The show also displayed many items that Smith has received over the years from a mysterious and anonymous fan. The items include a cow bell, ski’s, a bicycle seat and many other random pieces. All the items have been sent by mail, never packaged, just addressed and sent. Paul Smith believes all the items have been sent by the same person, a person who understands his character and love of things.

The Stamped Objects Exibtion will be on display at Holt Renfrew until March 11th.

PHOTOGRAPHY
© Murdo Inc 2011
Alexander M Earl