Shoe

One of a pair of men's black leather laced shoes, with punched brogue detail on vamp.

Paul Smith moved to London from Nottingham and opened his first shop on Floral street in 1979. Expanding his company in the 1980s, he was one of the few London-based designers with a local identity who also sold on an international scale. Over thirty years, the business has traded on the notion of the shopkeeper and traditional gentlemen's outfitter: local, individual, and very British.

The clothes exemplify what Paul Smith calls 'classics with a twist'. Deft styling and the subtle modification of traditional details transform classic styles into clothes of character. Colour and pattern play a key role. Shades of green and black predominate in this outfit but the linings add another dimension.

Paul Smith donated the jacket and the sweater, trousers and shoes worn with it to the Museum of London.