Paul Smith to Make Milan Men’s Week Debut with Intimate Showroom Presentation

Paul Smith, the irrepressible British designer known for his witty, eclectic menswear and masterful storytelling, is about to mark a new milestone in his storied career. For the first time ever, Smith will showcase his men’s collection as part of Milan Men’s Fashion Week, stepping officially into the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana calendar. The much-anticipated show is set to take place on June 21 at 5:00 p.m., offering a fresh chapter in a career that has already spanned decades, continents, and countless runways.

Smith is no stranger to Italy and certainly no stranger to Milan. His relationship with the city spans more than two decades—his personal showroom has proudly stood at 95 Viale Umbria for the past 22 years. But until now, that space has served more as a home for intimate presentations and collaborations rather than as an official stop on the global fashion tour.

“For the first time ever, I’m delighted to be showing my new collection as a part of Milan Men’s Fashion Week in June,” said Smith. “I’ve proudly had my own showroom in Milan for 22 years and have great affection for the city.”

That affection now finds its way into the official calendar, and fans of the designer can expect something far from the formulaic fashion show. Staying true to his ethos of warmth, creativity, and a personal touch, Smith will present his Spring/Summer 2026 men’s collection in a salon-style format at his Milan showroom—just as he did earlier this year in Paris. The space is vast and versatile, making it an ideal venue for his uniquely immersive presentation style.

Those who attended his most recent Paris show will know what to expect: a theatrical yet down-to-earth format where models step into the spotlight while Smith himself guides the audience through the story behind each look. It’s a method that strips back the spectacle and brings the focus firmly on the garments—their fabrics, their inspiration, their soul. Whether he’s explaining the heritage of thornproof fabrics or showing off a Friesian cow print in collaboration with Barbour (complete with a children’s toy that lets out a moo), Smith’s presentations are equal parts education and entertainment.

Paul Smith to Make Milan Men’s Week Debut with Intimate.

In many ways, the move to Milan feels like a natural evolution. Last summer, Smith was the guest designer at Pitti Uomo in Florence, where his collection was met with critical acclaim. His flair for narrative and his ability to breathe life into fabrics resonated deeply with the Italian audience. Milan, with its rich fashion heritage and appreciation for craftsmanship, offers a fitting stage for a designer who has always celebrated the art of making clothes.

Although this is Smith’s first official show in Milan’s fashion week, he’s not a newcomer to the scene. Over the years, his Milan showroom has served as a vibrant cultural hub during fashion season, hosting events for fellow British designers such as Craig Green and even exhibiting collections of cycling jerseys—one of Smith’s many personal passions.

This June, however, the focus will be all his own. There’s palpable excitement about what he will bring to the Milanese runway—or rather, stage. Smith’s decision to keep things intimate, even in one of the world’s fashion capitals, speaks volumes about his confidence in the strength of the clothes and the clarity of his creative vision.

“I’ll be hosting a salon-style show, which I know will be intimate and honest to who we are,” he said.

The designer’s charm lies not only in his garments but in his voice—one that is curious, playful, and deeply knowledgeable. He has long blurred the lines between tradition and innovation, between tailoring and spontaneity. From space-dyed wools to Prince of Wales checks, from sharply cut suits to cheeky prints, Smith’s collections are always rooted in British heritage but never bound by it.

His upcoming Milan show is expected to carry the same spirit: timeless yet surprising, refined yet unpretentious. And if history is any indicator, it will likely feature moments of unexpected humor—perhaps even another mooing toy.

Smith’s Italian chapter isn’t limited to fashion week. Just days before the announcement of his Milan show, the designer attended a banquet at Quirinale Palace hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The state dinner was part of King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s royal visit to Italy—further cementing Smith’s connection to the country both culturally and diplomatically.

With all eyes on Milan this June, Smith’s presence will surely add a new layer of character to an already dynamic fashion week. His entry into the official calendar signals not only a personal milestone but also a broader embrace of storytelling, craftsmanship, and authenticity in the menswear space.

For a designer who has always followed his own compass, Paul Smith’s debut in Milan isn’t just a geographical move—it’s a celebration of a career that continues to surprise, evolve, and inspire.

As the countdown to June begins, one thing is certain: Paul Smith’s Milanese moment promises to be anything but ordinary.