Threads: My life in style, a deeply personal memoir from a British fashion icon

From a Nottingham alleyway to a global empire, Threads is the story of a truly unique British fashion icon.

‘I always say that you can find inspiration in everything. And if you can't, look again’ – Sir Paul Smith

Sir Paul’s journey has been anything but conventional: from leaving school at fifteen with a dream of being a professional racing cyclist to a life-altering accident that would change everything. After meeting the love of his life and immersing himself in the exciting new world of the 1960s London art and fashion scene, he would go on to build a global fashion empire that started off as a tiny shop tucked behind a dark, damp corridor in Nottingham.

For the first time, and with his signature wit, Paul shares candid memories of a life in style, including what it was like to dress legends including David Bowie, Daniel Day-Lewis and Sir Alex Ferguson; how he fought to keep his brand independent in a world of globalized homogeneity; and why, after five decades of success, you can still find him on the shopfloor every Saturday meeting his customers.

Guided by his father’s advice of working hard and repairing everything by hand, Threads is more than a fashion memoir. It is a masterclass in how to stay curious, stay independent and always look for the extraordinary in the everyday.

‘Classic Paul Smith. A British tale with a creative twist’ – Gary Oldman, actor

'Nobody does it like Paul. His journey from humble beginnings to global icon is a masterclass in staying curious' – Jamie Oliver, chef and author

'Paul is the living embodiment of the wisdom: it’s not the destination, it’s the journey' - Edward Norton, actor

'In many ways Paul Smith was 'in the room where it happened’. Threads is about how he came to be a part of it all. Sir Paul . . . useful fellow, selective, secure. The answer is character' - Harrison Ford, actor

‘Fascinating. This book, like the man himself, is full of character, charm, and warmth. And very like Paul to wear it all so lightly. Just your average, run-of-the-mill worldwide style icon. A one-off’ - Martin Freeman, actor

'Paul is a Great British Icon and this is an iconic book. I devoured every page' – Dylan Jones, former Editor of GQ

'One of the pillars of great English design' - Manolo Blahnik, designer

'The Paul Smith story is as fascinating a read as it is a simple one' - Suzy Menkes, fashion critic

'Paul Smith is a brilliant storyteller. He has been everywhere, and he knows everyone, but he has never lost the sense of wonder that fills every page of this book' - Deyan Sudjic, former director of Design Museum

'Paul is as prolific as he is adored. He is an inspiring creative who loves his practice, art, culture and, most importantly, people. His kindness, optimism and generosity are manifest in all he creates' –
Sir Jony Ive, designer

'Reading this is like spending time with someone you wished you had known forever. Less like 'A Day In the Life of Sir Paul Smith,' Threads is more like 'A Life in the Day of Sir Paul Smith'' – Jason Schwartzman, actor & musician

Sir Paul Smith was born in Nottingham, England on 5 July 1946. An avid cyclist until he was seventeen, when a road accident put paid to his competitive ambitions, Paul found himself amongst a new world of creatively minded young people and from there embarked on a life-long journey of discovery and exploration in design, music and fashion.

From its origins in one small shop in Nottingham, England, Paul Smith has grown into a global business, selling to five continents, over sixty countries and 3,000 shops. Paul was knighted for services to fashion in the 2000 Birthday Honours, followed in 2020 by his appointment as one of 65 members of the Order of the Companions of Honour. Threads is his deeply personal memoir of his life and career.