The new partnership celebrates the heritage and design philosophies of both brands with a limited edition lineup showcased at Pitti Uomo.
Paul Smith and Lee, a storied American denim brand, have launched a collaborative collection that pays homage to both brands’ heritage and design philosophy. The partnership, introduced at Paul Smith’s Spring/Summer 2025 presentation at Pitti Uomo, features a limited edition lineup of 14 pieces, including jeans, denim jackets, western-style shirts, and T-shirts.
The collaboration highlights a longstanding connection between the two brands, dating back to the 1970s when Sir Paul Smith first started his own label. At his initial shop in Nottingham, he showcased various items from other designers, including Lee’s renowned painter’s trousers, which he imported from the U.S. The collection symbolizes a full-circle moment, merging Lee’s classic denim aesthetics with Paul Smith’s distinctive prints and hues.
“I used to sell Lee in my Nottingham shop in the 1970s, and they were important to me when I was first starting out,” Sir Paul Smith stated in comments reported by Business Wire. He added, “They’ve got real heritage, and being able to partner on this collection has been great. Pairing their expertise in denim and our knowledge of print and design is a brilliant combination.”
The collection modernizes iconic pieces such as the Lee 101 jean and 101 Stormrider jacket, incorporating playful prints and patterns, as well as features co-branded trims and the signature Paul Smith stripe. Jenni Broyles, Executive Vice-President & Global Brands President at Lee, noted the excitement surrounding the collaboration, emphasizing that “Paul Smith is renowned for its ‘classic with a twist’ aesthetic, which fits authentically with Lee’s timeless style.”
The promotional campaign for the collection, shot by Anton Gottlob, showcases six friends of Paul Smith, including a painter and a dancer, each sporting the collection in a way that reflects their individual styles and lifestyles.
Prices for the collection range from $90 to $450 and are available on both paulsmith.com and lee.com, as well as select partner-owned and retail outlets globally, with Nordstrom serving as the exclusive wholesaler in the U.S.
Source: Noah Wire Services
