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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.

My blog has an RSS feed. I am on Twitter @Om

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Om Malik

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

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