The Italian ambassador to the U.K. has handed Paul Smith the Knighthood of the Order of the Star of Italy.
is doubling down on the knighthoods, taking home a second one courtesy of the Italian Republic. Earlier this week, the British designer accepted the Knighthood of the Order of the Star ofresidence. Lambertini presided over the event in the presence of Adolfo Urso, the Italian minister of enterprises and Made inLambertini said that “Sir Paul has not only captured the heart of Italians with his distinctive style but has also drawn inspiration and knowledge from our rich tailoring tradition.
It has evolved over the years, and the president of the Italian Republic now gives the award to people who have acquired “particular merits in promoting friendship and collaboration between Italy and other countries, and in promoting economic, cultural and scientific ties with Italy.” Smith certainly fit the bill. “I’ve been working with the country for the past 40 years and Italy is close to Pauline’s and my heart,” said Smith, referring to this wife. The couple live inSmith has also been manufacturing his collections in Italy and buying fabric there for decades. He has 110 stockists across the country, “some of whom I’ve been working with for 25 years,” the designer said.