Paul Smith receives Freedom of the City of London

British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has received the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his contribution to British fashion and design.

The designer attended a ceremony at Guildhall, having been nominated by former Lord Mayor Sir William Russell and the City of London Corporation’s lead member for SME growth, Shravan Joshi.

Founded in a small store in Nottingham, the Paul Smith brand has grown into an international business spanning five continents, more than 50 countries and 1,700 points of distribution. The company has remained independent for more than 56 years.

In 2020, Smith launched the Paul Smith’s Foundation, an organisation supporting emerging talent, to mark the business’s 50th anniversary. Among its initiatives is the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, which provides selected designers with studio space, industry mentorship and business training.

Speaking after the ceremony, Smith said: “It’s truly wonderful to receive the Freedom of the City of London”, adding that the capital had played an important role in his life and career since he opened his Covent Garden shop in 1979.

“The city has changed enormously over the years, but what I’ve always loved is its extraordinary mix of people, creativity, and ideas. I feel very lucky that Paul Smith has been a small part of that story, and it’s a real pleasure to have our contribution recognised.”