Paul Smith

Smith has since stuck to the same formula, for both his collections and paul smith sale shops, as his wholesale business has expanded and he has opened more shops in Asia, the US and Europe while diversifying into everything from women's wear and watches to perfume. The shops are still filled with first-edition books like Cecil Beaton's autobiographies, 1960s posters and quirky Japanese flea market finds: and their windows are as likely to display Apple's new computer or the latest video games system as paul smith men.

"The reason I've been successful is because I've just got on and packed boxes and I know that VAT means Value Added Tax not vodka and tonic, Paul Smith wrote in his book You can find inspiration in everything. I've sold on the shop floor, I've typed invoices. At some point I've done everything, and I've always kept my head above water financially. Nevertheless I'm extremely nervous about becoming a businessman and not a designer.