Two Nottingham powerhouses have teamed up to cement Nottingham’s place on the map for top fashion...
Students from the University of Nottingham have joined forces with the city’s undeniable king of fashion, Sir Paul Smith, to design a unique collection which puts Nottingham’s rich history at its forefront.
Marking the beginning of a special partnership between Paul Smith and the university, the limited-edition collection, Paul Smith for the University of Nottingham, features a selection of eye-catching scarves, socks, cufflinks, ties, notebooks, wallets, hoodies and more.
Available to buy online or at the Paul Smith flagship store, Willoughby House on Low Pavement, the collection is a celebration of Paul Smith’s indelible impact on Nottingham and the global fashion industry. It incorporates the fashion house’s iconic striped design and colourways, alongside a stylised depiction of the university’s iconic Trent Building.
The stunning new collection was unveiled at a special event held at the brand’s Willoughby House shop, a location which is just over 100 yards from Paul’s first ever shop on Byard Lane. In attendance was Councillor Nicola Heaton, marking one of her last engagements as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The collaboration between the University of Nottingham and the renowned fashion designer will also capitalise on the international reputation of both organisations to help fly the flag for the city overseas, while supporting the city’s business growth, investment, and global profile.
Commenting on the new partnership, Paul Smith said: “Growing up in Beeston, my father was a keen amateur photographer. I very vividly remember a photograph he took of the original University of Nottingham campus mid-construction.
“Having a university in the city I grew-up in was always something I was very aware and proud of and so it’s really exciting for me to be launching this partnership between what I consider to be two quintessentially Nottingham organisations that are now known for their excellence around the world.”
Comprising of twelve unique items, the collection has been designed with gifting in mind, offering timeless keepsakes to suit a range of occasions.
Alex Favier, Director of Global Reputation and Relations, at the University of Nottingham, said: “The University of Nottingham and Paul Smith Ltd partnership began during Nottingham in Parliament Day in 2016. The University worked with over 100 businesses, local authorities and third-sector partners to help tell the story of a pioneering, creative and innovative Nottingham to a wider audience. The launch of the Paul Smith for the University of Nottingham collection is underpinned by the same desire from both partners to use their global reach and reputation to help promote our city, county and its businesses to a global audience.
“The University of Nottingham has international alumni around the world, all of whom have an affinity with Nottingham as a place, not just as a university. We are committed to helping Nottingham’s businesses and visitor economy recover from the pandemic by making more of these global connections. Through the Midlands Innovation university collaboration, the university hosts a regional pilot funded by the UK Government that will explore practical ways in which universities can help boost local trade and investment.”
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