The MINI Paul Smith Edition Premieres at the Japan Mobility Show
The collaboration between two British icons is grounded in shared values of craftsmanship, creativity & innovation…
Two traditional British brands, Paul Smith and MINI, have created the new MINI Paul Smith Edition. Following the MINI STRIP in 2021 and the MINI Recharged by Paul Smith in 2022, the British designer is now bringing his world-famous design language, “Classic with a twist,” to the new MINI family, company officials stated in a press release.
Whether electric or combustion engine, the edition will be available for all MINI Cooper 3-door, 5-door and convertible models, with the exception of the John Cooper Works models. The look and details show Paul Smith’s signature style and the brand’s playful, optimistic and independent spirit, noted the release. The MINI Paul Smith Edition celebrated its world premiere on Oct. 29 at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.
“It’s not often that you see two icons of British design work together in this way, and it’s wonderful that our partnership has carried on over so many years. The MINI Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege and a wonderful opportunity … new colors and new unexpected details that will be a welcomed surprise,” adds Sir Paul Smith, expressing his thoughts on the collaboration and the new design.
Unmistakable Paul Smith Style on the Outside
Combining MINI design with Paul Smith’s distinctive style that includes exclusive exterior colors, sophisticated accents and unexpected details brings the shared history of MINI and Paul Smith into the present, the company said.
“MINI and Paul Smith embody a shared mindset of positivity, embracing the motto of this edition: ‘Every day is a new beginning.’ Our collaboration celebrates a mutual love for design and meticulous attention to detail. Unexpected elements, such as the ‘Hello’ projection on the ground and Paul Smith’s handwritten inscription, bring a smile to your face right upon entering the car,” says Holger Hampf, head of MINI Design.
The MINI Paul Smith Edition offers a choice of three exterior paint finishes, two of which are edition-exclusive. Statement Grey is a modern interpretation of the classic Mini Austin Seven color from 1959, a clear, bluish-tinted gray shade and self-confident statement of timeless modernity; Inspired White is a contemporary homage to the popular Classic Mini Beige color; and finally, the elegant and classic Midnight Black Metallic from the current MINI Family.
Regardless of the body color, the specially created Nottingham Green paintwork, a tribute to Sir Paul’s hometown, adds sophisticated accents to the side mirrors, the octagonal radiator grille, the wheel hub covers with Paul Smith lettering, and the paintwork for one of the two roof variants.
In addition to the color variants, numerous details characterize Paul Smith’s signature and make the MINI Paul Smith Edition unmistakable. The “Signature Stripe,” a central design feature of the British designer, adorns the roof in Nottingham Green at the rear of the driver’s side. The alternative version of the roof features elegant stripes in Jet Black in varying thickness, both matte and glossy. The MINI Cooper Convertible Paul Smith Edition is supplied with a black soft top.
All edition vehicles are equipped with 18-inch Night Flash Spoke black aluminum wheels with tinted clear coat in Dark Steel. The MINI logo at the front and rear is offered in newly designed Black Blue and complements the color composition of Paul Smith and MINI. On the black horizontal handle strip at the rear, Paul Smith’s signature refers to the creative spirit behind the vehicle design.
The MINI Paul Smith Edition Interior
British character is also reflected in the interior with numerous components featuring a modern, elegant look. The knitted surfaces on the dashboard and door panels appear in black, while Paul Smith fabrics in tone-on-tone stripe patterns serve as inspiration for the special structure of the dashboard. The Nightshade Blue sports seats are made of Vescin and have knitted textile in the shoulder and headrest areas. Drawn from the Signature Stripe, the decorative stitching on the steering wheel’s textile band is designed in bright colors—quintessentially Paul Smith, the company said.
The round display in the center of the cockpit also appears with one of three different Paul Smith backgrounds when Personal Mode is selected. Small hidden details underline the British design influence and the playful character of the designer: when the door is opened, the driver and front passenger are greeted with a handwritten “Hello” as a light projection on the floor, and Smith’s motto “Every day is a new beginning” on the door sill, reflecting the positive mindset of both brands. A graphic of a stylized “rabbit” hand-drawn by Paul Smith on the floor mat completes the interior details.
