City Stories: Hello my Name is Paul Smith

Last weekend I stopped by the Lighthouse in Glasgow for its latest exhibition: Hello my Name is Paul Smith.

I’ve long been fascinated by fashion exhibitions, but more recently, I have found that learning about the process behind the garments and the stories behind labels has given me a new appreciation for the details that make brands unique.

Saying that, I must admit that I wasn’t overly familiar with the story of Paul Smith – I had seen the brand around but not much beyond that – so the exhibition was a welcome opportunity to diver deeper into the story of this iconic Scottish designer.

The welcome was a taster of what was to come: a Mini Cooper in distinctive Paul Smith stripes greeted me as I approached the exhibition entrance.

The exhibition charts the story of Paul Smith the man just as much as the brand. From the first shop all the way to the latest runway show, it not only recreates a studio, full with fabric samples, sketches and empty coffee mugs but also gives a glimpse into Paul Smith’s inspiration.

Drawing on Paul’s personal archive, part of the space reflects on his influences, another on the process of turning the inspiration into one of the world’s leading fashion brands.

Many of the installations invite you to linger and have a closer look, such as the video installation referencing the Paul Smith logo, some well-known colour schemes and photo shoots. The combination of screens in a mirrored room made for an effect that really made you feel like you entered someone’s imagination.

Other exhibits made me do a double-take, like when I realised that there was a plate of fake spaghetti sitting on a table, right beside a shirt with the very same print. The exhibition is fun and engaging, perfect for a brand that stands for a colourful way of life.

Though I was not overly familiar with Paul Smith’s design beforehand, I was truly drawn into his world by the end of it all. The personal anecdotes you find throughout the exhibition give an unexpected and fascinating insight – his approach to mixing unexpected patterns, colours and ideas together, the palpable positivity and excitement in every garment and art piece.

I certainly couldn’t help but feel that I should more often dress for myself and simply have fun with it all. Who knows, you might see me in some super colourful outfits from now on!

See you around,