Paul Smith, according to Vir Sanghvi, is that rare designer who appeals to all age groups. He opened his first London shop in the early 1980s. He is very popular in Japan. His designs have a surprise element — his cotton fabric shirts were given buttons from small steel charms. He mixes the rough with the smooth, classic with kitsch. It gives the clothes an edge. He innovated with French cuffs, which had patterns and pictures on the inside of each cuff — either plain pics or risque. He was best known for his signature multi-coloured stripes. He has now given up stripes, which is a brave decision. He diversified into shoes design for Lobb. Paul Smith is to Britain what Hermes is to France. He sets up a shop at Emporio. Delhi, and proposes one more at Palladium Mall, Mumbai.