‘Work hard – nobody cares how good you used to be’: Paul Smith at 80 on love, fun and his fabulous life in fashion

With the release of his new biography, the British designer talks about leaving school at 15, the real reason he won’t retire and why no one wears velvet trousers any more Go for a browse in the Paul Smith shop in Mayfair, London, on any given Saturday and you’ll likely find an older shop assista...

Source: [Guardian International](https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/sep/07/work-hard-nobody-cares-how-good-you-used-to-be-paul-smith-at-80-on-love-fun-and-his-fabulous-life-in-fashion)