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20110716-104202.jpgThe first time I heard of Paul Smith was back in the early days of Forbes.com when a colleague, Dewayne Martin, first started wearing shirts and suits made by this brand. It also so happened that Paul Smith Store was right across from us on the Fifth Avenue. I didn’t pay much attention — I couldn’t afford the threads and more importantly, I was too vertically and weight challenged to fit into the slim cut clothing. I was thinking of Dewayne when I started watching this conversation between fashion/lifestyle writer Gisele Scanlon and Sir Paul Smith. I was enthralled – not entranced by this conversation and comments by Sir Paul whose company is doing revenues of $500 million. Smith who is friends with Apple’s Jonny Ive says that his wife doesn’t have a computer or a mobile phone or an answering phone.

Here are some of Sir Paul’s choicest quotes:

  • I don’t see myself that way. Quirky, eccentric, a bit mad? Yes. A good mad. And free! That’s important, to be able to make your own business decisions.
  • Freedom and time is my luxury.
  • I’d like young designers, business people, musicians to know how poor some of the greatest artists, designers, actors, musicians were starting out in their careers.
  • Stay inspired in business by being childlike. Not childish but childlike. Taking in everything around me like a child, I let it inspire me.
  • Never be motivated by money: money isn’t and shouldn’t be a designer’s motivation (it clouds judgement). And money and success should never consume and change you etc.
  • Realise that if you’re selling something/anything you work in service. Be friendly and helpful. Don’t forget. Think Service! Service! Service!

Guys stop whatever you are doing, hit the fullscreen and enjoy the best/fun/inspring conversation thing you will see.

Letter from Om

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Om Malik

Om Malik is a San Francisco based writer, photographer and investor. More....

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Letter from Om

A (nearly) bi-weekly dispatch about tech & future.

You will get my reporting, analysis, conversations, and curation of the essential information you need to make sense of the present future.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

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