Paul Smith: ‘Ole Navy
By Michelle Taylor

LONDON, Feb 20, 2004/ FW/ – It is marine and sailor influences once again for Sir Paul Smith, the English giant showing his Fall 2004/05 collection earlier this week in the British capital.

His looks are naval but nice, sellable yet stylish donned English favourites such as Erin O’Connor with her pale skin and slick dark hair.

Ropes and flags are baroquely mixed and printed onto flowing silk skirts and tops, hints of transparency and box pleats all part of Smith’s new winter wardrobe.

Blue and white thin horizontal striped dresses, anchor motifs on tops and knitwear such as a bright red sweater, double breasted jackets and large cardigans in thick knit had large buttons and pants were either wide flat fronted sailor style or cropped and figure hugging in pinstripes.

Zip cardigan jackets and matching pants are reminiscent of track and field wear, but don’t stray form the overall look that Smith wishes to imply, all in a palette of red, white and blue.

Smith manages to mix sportive and classical elements making conservative box pleat knee length skirts modern and polished, accessorised with bold over the knee stockings adding the right mix of sexiness and fun.

Evening wear turned left and went back to the 1920’s as he opted for flowing flapper dresses to the knee, layered and stripped.

Paul Smith is perhaps the ultimate English fashion success story with over 220-store doors open worldwide and with no indication of slowing down.

Paul Smith	Paul Smith	Paul Smith
Paul Smith	Paul Smith	Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Paul Smith