Paul Smith Fragrances

Transitioning from professional sports to fashion design is a massive leap when it comes to changing careers, but that is precisely what happened to British designer Paul Smith. Smith wanted a career in the sports world, but he was detracted by a serious injury. He was forced to consider a career change and turned to the arts.

He got his start in the fashion world at a clothing warehouse in Nottingham where he gained a management position. He started his own boutique in 1970 with the help of his now wife, Pauline Denyer. It was during this time that he took classes to enhance his tailoring craft and realized his dream of establishing a fashion line. This dream came to fruition in 1976 when he debuted a menswear collection in Paris.

The debut was a success, allowing him to establish another boutique in England and go international. The Paul Smith brand has since expanded in countries such as Japan, where it is a popular line. He displayed his first women's clothing line in 1998 during London Fashion Week. His foray into this new area was another hit, gaining him a foothold into female fashion. The company also branched into rugs, eyewear, china and fragrances.

He showcased his first fragrances in 2000, Paul Smith Men and Paul Smith Women. Smith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II that same year for his work in the world of menswear. He collaborates with Inter Parfums Inc. in the production of additional fragrances.