I’m a fan of Paul Smith the brand. Thirty years ago, when I was appointed “manager” a good friend of mine, Kevin hinted that I might want to change my professional wardrobe. So I bought myself a Paul Smith suit, and a few more in the years that followed. I still have them stored somewhere in my parents’ home. There was a dark blue striped suit that I particularly liked. They must have been a bit oversized for a small guy like me. I couldn’t afford to have suits tailor-made at the time. And although I now have my suits made by Café Costume, I still regularly shop at Paul Smith.
I’m also a fan of Paul Smith the man. He turned 80 earlier this summer, marked by the publication of his new memoir, “Threads: My Life in Style“, which offers a good insight into his personality. I’ve been following him and his business for such a long time, and I’m a real admirer of both. They are so intertwined. I see the world through a particular set of values, and although I may not always express them openly, I connect with what he stands for. Despite his success, he is so down to earth, something I really appreciate in others. I see so many people achieve success, whether briefly or over a long period, and let it go to their heads.
(…) but patience is the requirement in both cases.
That’s always been an important quality to me, particularly in my business life. My company was never one of those that climb like rockets and then too often disappear. Its success has been the result of steady, organic growth over a long period, achieved by people working together in a calm and pleasant atmosphere. And that’s the wayI like it, particularly in the age of social media, when everything is so quick and the tone can be agrressive.
I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed a real argument in my company. That might seem astonishing, but it’s true. In fifty years, I think we’ve had three members of staff who arrived with an attitude that was aggressive and hot-headed. They soon realized that this wasn’t the right place for them, and they moved on.
I’m happy with doing things more gently, respecting other people and treating them with courtesy. We say please and thank you, and we ask someone to do something rather than telling them to do it. Many years ago I learnt how to listen to other people and how to talk at the right time. When a problem arises, that’s the way to solve it. You try to see someone’s point of view, they try to see yours, and you work it out. That way, a good nest gets built.
Leadership defines the DNA of a company. I feel that people working at Smith Group Holdings Limited, unlike those at LVMH, Kering and the like, really breathe this man’s DNA. Of course, the company has guidelines that need to work across markets and cultures, including Japan, where Paul Smith is extremely popular. But all of its stores feel genuine, and the staff are authentic. Each time I’m in London, I go to the small outlet store on Avery Row to treat myself to something. Even this outlet is designed like a proper store. And they don’t treat you like a profiteer who has come for a discount. The staff are always so friendly and helpful, and I feel they are proud to work for Paul Smith, the brand and the man.
What I’ve tried to do with all my shops is to create a place that you’re interested to go into. For that reason, we’ve maintained a dedicated shop-design department almost since the beginning. I remember from past years, visiting cities around the world where you could walk down the street and see an old bookshop, a shoemaker, a sock shop and a delicatessen, sadly now nearly all replaced by obvious big brands. I’m really happy for people to just enjoy one of our shops, whether they buy anything or not.
I just wish more companies and people could be like Paul Smith, both the brand and the man.
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