If you’ve been in a Paul Smith store recently, you may have seen a range of clothing that’s bolder in style than the brand’s already expressive main line. This is PS by Paul Smith, the new diffusion collection that was presented by Sir Paul Smith at the brand’s recent joint runway show. Last month, we got homegrown musician The Gentle Bones a.k.a. Joel Tan to try on the brand. We realised then there’s plenty to like about the collection.
Strong paisley prints across both menswear and womenswear at PS by Paul Smith
1. It’s bold.
As we pointed out, PS by Paul Smith is colourful. It plays on the same patterns and prints as Paul Smith does, but in more youthful and energetic manner. Unsurprisingly, it’s meant to cater to the young at heart (it’s not just for the young of age). Prints are bigger, stripes are larger, colours are more intense. It’s definitely eye-catching, but not ostentatious at all. It’s a fine line to walk.
2. It’s very wearable.
Not that Paul Smith’s main line isn’t, but these are looks that’s clearly inspired from the street. One can almost imagine the designer himself, looking out from the balcony of his Covent Garden studio and seeing elements of these designs on the street, or at Bricklane. And though the FW16 season probably caters more to cooler climes, there are still plenty of options for the tropics.
Suiting styles at PS by Paul Smith
3. It looks sharp.
The suiting in the range is really meant to fit a slimmer build, as you can see from the models the brand has chosen. Broken suits mix in a generous dose of colour with staples and the entire collection is very minimalist and clean in terms of style and silhouette. It’s styled for a younger audience: shorter pant cuffs, et cetera. But it’s also very versatile.
Free-spirited, gender neutral clothing is at the heart of PS by Paul Smith
4. It’s rather androgynous.
While some pieces in the collection are clearly designed for specific genders, most are gender-neutral. Take the sweater or pants from both looks above. They would look great on a man or woman. That’s part of the reason why Paul Smith wanted to integrate the men’s and women’s shows as well, to give a clearer coherence. It’s just clothing. Wear it however you like it.
Well designed, well priced
5. It’s not expensive.
The typical shopper’s worry. You won’t be out thousands for buying an item of clothing. Paul Smith has always been a well-priced brand but PS by Paul Smith is excellent. There are differences in the two lines. You won’t be enjoying the John Lobb and Paul Smith sort of footwear as you do in the main line, but nevertheless, it’s still all his design work.
PS by Paul Smith is available at Mandarin Gallery or on Club21Global.com. For more information, click here.
