British fashion brand Paul Smith has collaborated the Royal Opera House to celebrate the spirit of creativity and cultural heritage. This first-of-its-kind collaboration brings together two icons of British design and the arts, united by a shared commitment to colour and storytelling.
Paul Smith Announces Festive Collaboration With Royal Opera House
Paul Smith and the Royal Opera House are old neighbours, since the British fashion designer opened his first store in Convent Garden, London, steps from the Royal Opera House. this yearGuided by Paul Smith’s belief that ‘you can find inspiration in everything’, Christmas at the Royal Opera House this year will be rooted in British tradition and sets a new benchmark for creative engagement between fashion and performance art.
“Paul Smith has long been a cherished neighbour on Floral Street, just moments from our Stage Door, and we’re delighted to be collaborating this Christmas” says Sophie Bond, Chief Commercial officer, Royal Ballet and Opera. “This partnership is about sharing our love of creativity by opening up the Royal Opera House in a fresh and festive way – inviting everyone to experience the magic of performance, no ticket required.”
The Royal Opera House Christmas tree will be at the heart of this festive collaboration. Located in the historic Paul Hamlyn Hall, the tree is a joyful celebration, inspired by the magic of performance and behind-the-scenes artistry that brings productions to life. Paul Smith’s design offers a playful take on another festive tradition – the act of wrapping and unwrapping.
PS The relationship between Paul Smith and Covent Garden began in 1979, when Sir Paul opened his first shop on Floral Street – next to the Royal Opera House. Since, the two have remained neighbours united by shared values and a dedication to celebrating and supporting the arts, craftsmanship and performance.
“I’ve been part of Covent Garden for many years- visiting in the early days when the fruit and vegetable market was still here and later opening my shop in 1979” he says. “Back then, there were no other businesses around except the wonderful Royal Opera House, which has been both a neighbour and a personal passion of mine ever since. I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of the dancers and staff who work there. We’ve built a close relationship over the years, and I’ve even had the privilege of going behind the scenes to visit the props room – which is absolutely mind-blowing. I’m constantly in awe of the creativity and organisation of our Covent Garden neighbours. It’s a joy to work alongside them, and long may it continue.”
About Paul Smith
Paul Smith is Britain’s leading independent design company. Paul Smith champions positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration.
Per the official website: “We are a British company with a global outlook. What began in a small, 3 x 3 metre shop in Nottingham, England, has grown to 130 shops and counting around the world, with locations in over 60 countries.Sir Paul Smith is the designer, master shopkeeper and majority shareholder of Paul Smith, but you can call him Paul. Paul’s saying, that ‘you can find inspiration in everything’, remains the guiding principle of the company. It means that Paul Smith designs are eclectic, with references drawn from art, music, and everyday life. You’ll also find plenty of nods to Paul’s lifelong love of cycling.”
In 2020, Paul Smith celebrated 50 years of independent design. With that landmark achieved, focus has switched to making the next fifty years of Paul Smith as creative, maverick and colourful as the first. This experience informs everything we make, from refined yet relaxed tailoring for men and women through to casual trainers, formal shoes and Paul Smith Junior pieces for the youngest customers.
About Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House in London is a historic theatre in Covent Garden that is home to The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. The current building, a Grade I listed structure, dates back to 1858 and was extensively rebuilt in the 1990s to create a modern facility with improved public spaces and production areas. It is a major performing arts venue, hosting over 500 performances annually and engaging in extensive community and education programs.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
