This autumn will see the arrival of a defining fashion designer autobiography as Sir Paul Smith prepares to publish Threads: My Life in Style on September 10th, 2026, accompanied by a series of major events in London and Nottingham.
A personal memoir tracing five decades of style, culture, and independence
Published by Pan Macmillan, the book will be available in hardback, e-book and audio formats. The audiobook will feature a special introduction by Smith and a Q&A with actor Bill Nighy. Co-written with journalist Richard Williams, it traces Smith’s journey from his modest upbringing in Nottingham to building a globally recognised fashion empire.
More than a memoir, Threads is a multi-layered narrative that explores creativity, independence and cultural evolution. To celebrate the launch, a curated programme of events will take place in London and Nottingham. There will also be an open competition inviting emerging creatives to design a limited-edition early reading copy, extending the book’s ethos into a participatory real-world platform.
Inside the life, legacy, and creative philosophy of a British icon
At its core, the autobiography presents a series of vivid “chapters” that read like standalone projects, each with its own unique perspective and voice. The first chapter revisits Smith’s early life, from leaving school at fifteen with dreams of becoming a professional cyclist, to a life-changing accident that redirected him towards fashion and the vibrant London scene of the 1960s. Another chapter recounts the creation of his first Nottingham shop — a modest, almost hidden space that would lay the foundations for an international brand. A third chapter highlights his long-standing relationships with cultural figures and offers personal insights into dressing icons such as David Bowie, Daniel Day-Lewis, Giorgio Armani and Sir Alex Ferguson. It also reveals the dialogue between fashion, music and sport over the past half-century.
Throughout, Smith’s voice remains candid and grounded, shaped by his father’s enduring advice about hard work and craftsmanship. The result is an autobiography of a fashion designer that moves beyond the usual industry narrative, positioning creativity as a daily practice rooted in curiosity, observation and an unwavering commitment to independence.
Courtesy of SIR PAUL SMITH
