The British fashion designer opened his first London boutique in 1979, and his label has since been synonymous with classic British tailoring and style. He talks to The Club about Helsinki, being inspired by the capital, and why he never checks in luggage when he travels

Where is top of your travel bucket list?
Helsinki, because it’s one of the few places I’ve never visited. I enjoy going to new places and experiencing new things. Helsinki also has a reputation for interesting creativity, which I’m keen to learn about.

Most memorable hotel stay?
I love Villa d’Este (above) on the banks of Lake Como. The hotel has magnificent views of the lake and wonderful gardens. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a seaplane landing on the lake.

Which country has inspired you most?
Japan is an obvious contender. London is endlessly inspiring. Plus it’s so cosmopolitan – more than 300 languages are spoken here – so it’s a goldmine of cross-cultural ideas.

What are your three must-pack travel items?
I try to travel with a backpack and little else – I never put luggage in the hold. I always used to have a camera, but now my iPhone fills that purpose. I take lots of photos that inspire my work, some of which end up on my Instagram account (@paulsmith). I also carry paper and a pen, as you never know when you might be inspired. Finally, a good suit. A year ago I developed what I call ‘A Suit To Travel In’ [see offer below]. It’s made entirely of wool, plus it’s crease-resistant and breathable – ­­perfect for a flight.

Which destination has surprised you most?
Uruguay. I was amazed by the number of very modern buildings there.

What kind of traveller are you?
A quick one – I’ve been known to travel through five airports in one day. From the beginning of my career, driving up and down the country visiting suppliers, to now flying all over the world visiting my shops, I’ve learnt to travel efficiently, so I seldom spend much time in one place.

Where do you go to escape the crowds in London?
The Sir John Soane’s Museum is a must for anyone visiting London – it’s full of mad, eclectic pieces collected by neoclassic architect Sir John Soane. It’s one of my favourite museums in the world.


Discover the world of Paul Smith on your next trip at a dedicated airport store, open now at Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 5. And don’t forget that you can convert your Heathrow Rewards points to Avios to get away sooner

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This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Travel Tips