Wish List: Sir Paul Smith
More than 50 years since he opened his first store, the acclaimed British designer loves nothing better than a Sunday spent “behind the till”.
There’s no design discipline that doesn’t interest this British icon, who shares his latest projects and passions.
Travel destination at the top of your hit list?
Revisiting Argentina and Mexico. The architecture, people and the spirit of both places is truly wonderful.
Interior world find you would most like to take home?
I recently curated the Picasso Celebration: The Collection in a New Light exhibition at Musée National Picasso-Paris. It was an incredible five-year project. Picasso’s catalogue of work is just unbelievable and the impact it has on the 20th century is unprecedented. If I could have taken one home I would have!
Design luminary you would still like to meet?
German designer Dieter Rams.
Building you’d love to call home?
There are few places I love spending time in more than my shop on Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London. Yes, it’s a shop, but it feels like a home as it sells all sorts of things from artworks to found objects alongside my collections for men and women.
Favourite up-and-coming artist?
I can’t choose just one but I’m proud to feature the work of lots of up-and-coming artists of all different disciplines in my shops around the world. It gives me a wonderful excuse to meet lots of interesting creative and talented people.
Hotel you’d like to experience next?
I’m heading to Tokyo soon where I’ll be staying in the Park Hyatt, which is like a home away from home.
Your optimal breakfast?
Bread from the French bakery Poilâne. They have the best sourdough. I’m not fussy so I’ll add some butter to toast and that’s it.
Describe an ideal Sunday?
I always enjoy a Sunday in London. You’ll often find me behind the till in my Albemarle Street shop.
Latest book on your reading pile?
The Future of the Museum: 28 Dialogues, by András Szántó.
Personal style icon you wish you’d met?
I’ve been lucky to have met a lot of stylish people throughout the years and always admired the sense of style of my friends Patti Smith and the late David Bowie.
Where is your happy place?
I have many places but one would be Tuscany. We have a home there and it is where I spend my summers with my wife Pauline. One of my home collection fragrances, Day Dreamer, is based on my time cycling through the Italian countryside.
This article appears in the November issue of WISH magazine, out now.
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