Sir Paul Smith to be Honoured at BFA’s

‘I suppose I am doing ok,’ said the ever humble designer last Thursday at a party on Sloane Avenue before the decision was announced, ‘I work hard, always have done, and I suppose that’s what has worked for me.’

This driven work ethic has clearly paid off for the Nottingham-born designer, who started his empire over 40 years ago in a tiny cramped space at the back of a Nottingham moneylenders shop. Now he joins the ranks of Alexander McQueen, Stephen Jones and Dame Vivienne Westwood, all of whom are previous recipients of the prize.

This year, the BFA’s is set to be a clash of the Titans as heavyweight Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen comes up against Christopher Kane and Erdem for Designer of the Year, whilst Victoria Beckham goes head to head with Tom Ford, Burberry and Stella McCartney for Designer Brand of the Year. Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto and J.W. Anderson are all nominated for the Emerging Talent award.