paul smithWhile YSL was the best in the lot of the Fall 2011 Paris Menswear shows from yesterday’s post, Paul Smith’s collection was the best overall. I found it was the most consistent, stylish, and wearable of the Paris men’s shows. The looks presented appeared put-together yet effortless, as if thrown together casually or with careless abandon.

Smith was inspired by his friends’ young, English schoolboy sons on a weekend getaway to the country. He instantly had me at “young, English schoolboys!” Cheers, luv!

The collection consisted of perfect suits, some in tweeds, some in pinstripes, and some with cuffed pantlegs, worn with shirt and sweater combos under the jackets. The evening suits were dressed down with printed t-shirts and clashing pink or mustard socks. Smith showed great outerwear, including black, double-breasted coats with shiny buttons and a brown number with its Union Jack lining peeking out from the inside.

Smith’s show was young and cool without resorting to trendy gimmicks (except maybe the Union Jack belt buckle). It was a perfect display of Smith’s quirky, easy style.