Paul Smith’s ‘Look and See’ reimagines Americana with Lee
Paul Smith and Lee unite for a limited-edition collection, featuring jeans, denim jackets, western-style shirts, and T-shirts, first revealed at their S/S 25 Pitti Uomo presentation."
Paul Smith and Lee unite for a limited-edition collection, featuring jeans, denim jackets, western-style shirts, and T-shirts, first revealed at their S/S 25 Pitti Uomo presentation."
For decades, Paul Smith has woven the eccentricities of a collector into his clothing, blending history with a distinct sense of style. Unsurprisingly, his latest collaboration with the iconic Americana denim brand Lee brings this rich heritage to the forefront.
During his one-day takeover of the Villa Favard, marking the brand's return to the Pitti Uomo stage since his first guest designer spot in 1991, Smith conjured the spirit of all-night Italian cafés from the '60s. His play on louche tailoring, with a touch of flamboyant flair (think Luca Guadagnino's cinematic influence), set the stage for a collection that both pays homage to and reinterprets classic styles. Among the highlights was a sneak peek at his upcoming collaboration with Lee, where the lines between tradition and innovation blur beautifully.
When Paul Smith opened his first store in Nottingham, his distinctly British approach to design was evident in how he curated the space. Alongside his own creations, he displayed a collection of his favourite items from other makers, each chosen for their unique appeal. Among these was a pair of painter’s trousers, sourced from across the Atlantic—a rare feat at the time. The jeans were imported from the renowned American denim brand Lee, marking the start of a shared connection between the two that dates back to the early 1970s. Now, they reunite for a 14-piece global capsule, celebrating the blend of British heritage and American craftsmanship that defines both brands.
Drawing on the principles of Paul Smith's personal adage, 'You can find inspiration in everything (And if you can’t, look again),' this capsule collection embodies his belief in the beauty of discovery. It celebrates the fusion of Lee’s denim mastery with Paul Smith’s signature love of stripes, creating a collection that speaks to the endless potential for creative inspiration.
The 14-piece capsule is now available for purchase at paulsmith.com, lee.com, and select partner stores worldwide.