Two typically British brands, connected by a long-standing partnership, Mini and Paul Smith, after the Mini Strip in 2021 and the Mini Recharged by Paul Smith in 2022, have come together again to create a special series of the most compact model from the manufacturer owned by BMW: the new Mini by Paul Smith Edition, recently unveiled in Tokyo at the Japan Mobility Show. Available in three-door, five-door, and convertible versions, with 100% electric powertrains or combustion engines, it incorporates the world-famous design language “Classic with a twist” from the creator born in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
What distinguishes this edition “by Sir Paul Smith” are, right from the start, the three available exterior colors, two of which are exclusive: Statement Grey (a modern interpretation of the classic color of the 1959 Mini Austin Seven) and Inspired White (a contemporary homage to the popular and classic beige tone of the brand founded by Sir Alec Issigonis) – along with the Midnight Black Metallic from the current Mini color palette. Regardless of the body color, the shade Nottingham Green, specially created in homage to Paul Smith’s hometown, is present on the side mirror casings, the octagonal front grille, the wheel hub caps inscribed with Paul Smith, and on the roof of the “closed” versions.
In addition to the color combinations, other signature details of the British designer aim to make the Mini Paul Smith Edition unmistakable: the famous “Signature Stripe,” a key element of its design, has been applied to the left side of the metal roof; on the black canvas top of the convertible, there are stripes in Jet Black of varying widths, both matte and glossy. At the same time, all members of the range come with 18” wheels painted black; the Mini logo on the rear is in black and blue – beneath which appears the signature of Paul Smith himself.
Inside, notable features include the black mesh upholstery on the dashboard and door panels; the mesh applications in the shoulder area and on the headrests of the sports seats; and the contrasting stitching on the steering wheel inspired by the “Signature Stripe” – which is also present in various points of the cabin. Finally, a round central screen displays one of the three background colors of Paul Smith when the Personal driving mode is selected – and there are those details that illustrate the designer’s playful personality: when the door is opened, the driver and front passenger are greeted by a handwritten “Helo” projected onto the floor; his motto, “Every day is a new beginning,” is engraved on the door sills; and a stylized rabbit, hand-drawn by Paul Smith, is present on the floor mats.
