LONDON, Sep 26, 2004/ FW/ --- He is the fictional ambassador for English fashion, a real Sir and an economic success story; so what makes Paul Smith such a winner? Consistency? Modesty? Honesty? Whatever his secret, a simple truth lies in his unique ability to show his English pride on the runway.

So it is no surprise that his spring summer 2005 collection shown in London earlier this week is an English garden explosion. Models walked on perfect lawn with knee high socks like the private school girls you see each day at 3.30pm Monday to Friday crossing through parks to get home from College and out of the constriction of a uniform they wear for 12 years of schooling, instead Smith makes the look a trendy must-have.

He uses floral large and small, simple and repetitive, mixed with his signature stripes in a rainbow of springtime color. Happiness is abundant and simple lines are dateless basics, from pencil skirts to button up shirtdresses to tailored little jackets.

High collar comfortable summer dresses are beautiful and simply chic while batik highlights are tied at the waist and scarves worn on the head, in a come back of the 1950’s housewife and a celebration of the ‘proper’ English lady, where even little summer shorts appear graceful.

Mix and match this season with Smith, have fun with color and wake up and smell the roses, walk in a park and take in the glorious light of the happy season.

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Paul Smith