A celebration of a relationship spanning more than four decades, Paul Smith will take over The Corner Shop at Selfridges from 7-19 September 2026. Bringing together two of Britain’s most renowned names in British retail, the takeover honour innovation, creativity and a shared belief in the enduring spirit of British fashion.Part shop, part working office, the space will become Paul’s ‘dream factory’ for the duration of the takeover. In a rare move for the founder of an established global brand, Paul will work from the space, offering shoppers and passers-by an unprecedented glimpse into the private creative world of Paul Smith. His decision to make The Corner Shop his working office is a powerful expression of his belief in the enduring relevance of physical retail, bringing the creativity, curiosity and energy behind the brand directly into the shop.
Bringing together aspects of Paul’s life, work and creative passions: personal objects, curiosities, photographs, artworks and his own furniture. Original pieces from Paul’s office, including his Mario Bellini Cab chairs, will sit alongside floor-to ceiling photographs and prints from historic Paul Smith catwalk shows, creating a constantly evolving backdrop.
But it wouldn’t be a Paul Smith office without Paul’s own MINI. The MINI Paul Smith Edition, which Paul drives to his London studio every day, will be parked inside The Corner Shop. Alongside the MINI, guests will find custom-made Mercian bicycles available to purchase – a fitting addition as both Mercian and Paul celebrate their 80th birthdays this year.
At the heart of the takeover is the limited edition capsule collection, designed especially for the partnership. Drawing directly from the eclectic visual appeal of Paul’s office, archival photographs and unexpected details are reimagined into a collection of highly collectable pieces, including holdalls, wallets and T-shirts. Designed to capture the character and charm of Paul’s creative world, the collection offers customers a rare chance totake home something from inside the “dream factory” itself.
A programme of customer first events will run throughout the two-week takeover, extending the experience beyond the shop floor. Highlights will include a special signing of Paul Smith’s newly released memoir, Threads: My Life in Style. Discussions with residents and mentors from the Paul Smith’s Foundation such as London based designer YAKU, who will host a creative workshop where guests can create their own printed T-shirts. Together, the programme will celebrate the people, ideas and creative influences that have shaped Paul Smith, while inviting visitors to engage directly with the world behind the brand.
The takeover is a bold new chapter in the story of two great British retail institutions. Bringing together Selfridges’ spirit with Paul Smith’s restless curiosity and pioneering approach to physical retail, the partnership reimagines what a wholesale collaboration can be – creating a destination that is unexpected, immersive and unmistakably Paul Smith.
