Two icons of British creativity — MINI and Paul Smith — have come together once again to unveil the MINI Paul Smith Edition, marking a bold new chapter in their longstanding collaboration. Following the MINI STRIP in 2021 and MINI Recharged in 2022, this latest creation extends Paul Smith’s celebrated “classic with a twist” philosophy to the MINI Cooper 3-door, 5-door, and Convertible models. The car made its world premiere at Japan Mobility in Tokyo, capturing the shared spirit of playfulness, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking design.
This collaboration continues the creative synergy between the two brands, uniting Paul Smith’s hallmark design language with MINI’s modern aesthetic. “It’s not often that you see two icons of British design work together in this way,” said Sir Paul Smith. “The MINI Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege and a wonderful opportunity – with new colours and new unexpected details that will be a welcomed surprise.”
The exterior design offers three exclusive paint finishes: Statement Grey, a modern reinterpretation of the 1959 MINI Austin Seven colour; Inspired White, an homage to Classic Mini Beige; and Midnight Black Metallic. Each version features striking contrasts in Nottingham Green — a nod to Paul Smith’s hometown — adorning the grille, mirrors, and roof, complemented by his iconic Signature Stripe in refined variations.
The car’s personality extends through playful yet elegant detailing. From the “hello” projection that greets you on entry to the handwritten “Every day is a new beginning” on the door sills, every feature carries Paul Smith’s optimistic character. The 18-inch Night Spoke aluminium wheels and the Paul Smith signature on the boot handle complete the car’s refined yet joyful appeal.
Inside, British restraint meets modern luxury. The knitted black dashboard and door panels are inspired by Paul Smith’s tone-on-tone stripe fabrics, while the Nightshade Blue Vescin seats add depth and sophistication. Subtle details — from bright decorative stitching to the hand-drawn “rabbit” graphic on the mats — create a tactile sense of storytelling and humour, turning every drive into a small piece of art.
The MINI Paul Smith Edition isn’t just a car; it’s a celebration of legacy and innovation. The partnership’s history dates back to 1998, when Paul Smith designed a special blue Mini with anthracite wheels, followed by a striped one-off for the brand’s 40th anniversary. Each project since has embodied the shared vision of minimalism, sustainability, and individuality.
From the MINI STRIP’s minimalist ethos to the electric MINI Recharged, which brought the 1998 Paul Smith Mini into a modern EV format, this partnership continues to push boundaries. The new edition reflects how design can evolve while staying true to the DNA of British style and ingenuity.
