Thursday, 5 July 2007

Paul Smith Wallets

Paul Smith wallets are the most sought-after wallets in the United Kingdom. If you’re buying a Paul Smith wallet for own use, you are definitely giving yourself a treat. If you’re buying one for another person, they must be a very special man indeed! There is no doubt Paul Smith wallets look stunning … but it is not just the unique nature of his wallets that drive the public crazy … it is the entire Paul Smith brand and its history. MFB investigate…

History of Paul Smith

Paul Smith's early ambition was to become a cyclist but an accident at the age of 17 put stop to that. Whilst in hospital following his accident, Paul Smith met a group of artists who opened him up to a new world that inspired him to become a fashion designer. Indeed in 1970, at the age of 24, Paul Smith opened his first fashion boutique in Nottingham, and by 1976 he had shown his first menswear collection in Paris.Paul Smith has become a global phenomenon. Indeed the designer brand now spans 12 collections, selling everything from jeans and accessories to high-end fashion and furniture. There are also 14 Paul Smith stores in Britain and over 200 in Japan.Despite the enormous success many things have remained the same. Indeed Paul Smith retains an integral role in the company, as both designer and chairman, and his unique designs continue to combine sharp looks with a genuinely offbeat sense that's unmistakably English. Walk into one of Paul Smith's shops and you probably come across his personal collection of art, or an array of antiques and other unique objects, all examples of a personal touch that is so lacking in many other large fashion houses.

Paul Smith Wallet


MFB have selected a few of our favourite Paul Smith wallet designs to highlight the unique nature of this luxury men's accessory.
Naked Lady

This is the most impressionable image thought of when Paul Smith comes up in conversation.

The wallet that everyone remembers due to its cheeky design depicting a nude lady is one of Paul Smith’s best selling products since the start of his label in 1970.

The buxom brunette, pictured kneeling naked and holding a red telephone, is the favourite model of Archie Dickens, who works from his small studio in West Wickham.

The 94-year-old pensioner initially sold the illustration to an American collector who then sold it on to Sir Paul Smith for use in his products, giving Paul Smith an untimely classic.

The Mini

The traditional Paul Smith branding, coupled with one of England’s most recognisable icons gives us the popular Mini wallet sold by Paul Smith.

With the outer of the wallet showing its ‘work’ side which is made from fine Italian leather, and its playful side with the striped Mini image on the inside, this wallet is perfect for the Gentleman who loves cars.

Multi-Stripe

The unforgettable image of Paul Smith branding makes its way entirely onto a wallet with this design.

Incorporating unmistakable Englishness augmented by the unexpected, this design is for the Gentleman that likes to portray their unique side, while letting people know he is accustomed to the famous Paul Smith brand and all it stands for.

Rope Stitched

One of Paul Smith’s newest collections, the ‘Rope Stitched wallet’ moves away from the iconic Paul Smith branding and moves onto bolder colours,

Whilst still incorporating the feel of the classic Paul Smith wallet, the larger branding in the corner of the wallet still lets people know that the Gentleman owner is apart of one of the World’s most stylish labels.

MFB

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Sunday, 3 June 2007

An alternative to the Paul Smith wallet…does it exist?

Men's Fashion Blog loves Paul Smith! Look around the offices at KJ Beckett and you will see super sleek Paul Smith suits, stylish Paul Smith shoes, funky Paul Smith socks, and if you look hard enough, maybe even a pair of Paul Smith boxers! Indeed MFB are particularly drawn to the funky men's fashion brand that is Paul Smith. And why not, Paul Smith stands for cutting edge quality in the men's designer fashion world.

But what about the famous and much sought-after Paul Smith wallet? Is there an alternative that would tempt the guys from MFB to put their money, quite literately, elsewhere? We investigated the competition that Paul Smith wallets currently have…and created the definitive top 10 men’s wallets for 2007. Here's the countdown...

Ten: Mulberry Wallets

Mulberry is a famous British design label renowned world-wide for its craftsmanship and quality. The brand's backbone is an comprehensive line of luxury leather goods for men (and also women) that combine stylish, stand-out design with the finest leathers and precise detailing. A Mulbery wallet is the crème de la crème of leather wallets and any lucky owner of such an item is considered to be amongst the fashion elite!

Visit the official Mulberry website.

Nine: Ducti Wallets

Ducti wallets are some of the most impressive, wow-factor-packed items you can pull out of your pocket without being arrested! These heavy-duty duct tape wallets are much more durable than normal wallets, incredibly unique and what’s more, they cost next to nothing. MFB recommend Ducti wallets as great substitute to Paul Smith wallets for anyone looking to make a low cost fashion statement. Look out for the glow in the dark striped wallets!

To buy Ducti wallets click here.

Eight: Simon Carter Wallets

Simon Carter is a British designer, famous for his funky cufflinks that are sold in many leading stores worldwide, however his line of luxury, Italian made leather wallets are just as good. Using extremely soft nappa leather which feels fabulous to touch, Simon Carter's attention to detail is superb...indeed check out the inner lining of his comic-book wallets that feature a specially commisoned "Simon Carter comic strip".

To buy Simon Carter wallets click here.

Seven: Billabong Wallets

Australian surf brand Billabong offer an extensive range of wallets season after season. Whilst they offer some classic brown and black leather wallets, the most interesting examples are the Croc leather wallets (especially the current white Texas Croc leather wallet) and their interesting collection of low-cost canvas wallets. The designs are urban based and embody the spirit of surfing, offering a interesting way to carry your cash!
Buy Billabong wallets here.

Visit the official Billabong website.

Six: Stewart/Stand Wallets

Looking for innovative? Then choose a stainless-steel wallet from Stewart/Stand, a New York based design company that have come up with one of the most unique wallets MFB have ever seen! The stainless steel feels like silk, indeed paper is 1/3000 of an inch thick...the steel cloth used in these wallets are 3 times thinner again! Stewart/Stand offers pure stainless steel wallets but also leather wallets with stainless steel interior detail. Which ever you choose you know your friends won't have anything like it!


To buy stainless steel wallets click here.

Five: Bangers and Mash Wallets

Bangers and Mash wallets offer a similar concept to Paul Smith wallets by using photographic imagery to great effect on a printed canvas applied over leather. This has created a funky collection of men's wallets with some of the great designs including "Football", "Marbles", "Toy Soliders" and the excellent "Casino" wallet.

Four: Ted Baker Wallets

Ted Baker is the most popular lifestyle brand in the UK, and every season the company releases a myriad of luxury wallets for men. Particular favourites in 2007 include Inflect, a simple leather wallet that meets the classic man's requirements, but also Mooch and Johnny, which both offer dynamic printed leather interiors that are available in a range of colourways.

Click here to view the Ted Baker wallet collection.

Three: Launer Wallets

A million miles from a funky Paul Smith wallet, but if you’re looking for a simple and stylish leather wallet, made to the most exacting standards possible, then Launer wallets are for you. After receiving the Royal Warrant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for their handbags, Launer of London started to specialise in making their own branded goods, designed in-house. Launer wallets are handmade by skilled craftspeople in the softest calf leather and every attention is paid to detail of their luxurious wallets.

Click here for the Launer website.

Two: Paul Smith Wallets

It was also going to be at the top of the list...yes a Paul Smith wallet is probably the most luxurious wallet a man can own. Paul Smith wallets are quality, unique, stylish, funky...they truely are fabulous. Every season Paul Smith releases a eye-boggling line of colourful wallets with photographic imagery, colourful patterns and more. Like Mulbery and Launer wallets, expect to pay big bucks for a Paul Smith wallet, but it is worth it.

For more information about Paul Smith wallets click here.

One: J Fold Wallets

Ju
st beating Paul Smith to the number one spot is J. Fold Inc., makers of the most unique and colourful collection of leather wallets that you will ever see! The collection of men's wallets that J Fold offers is incredible, with some of the coolest colour combinations ever designed. Plus the collection is massive! With a RRP of £45 in the United Kingdom they are great value for money considering they use quality 100% top grain leather for all parts and come complete in a very nice presentation tin. Particular favourites include Loungemaster, JF Roadster and Jetstream JF.

Buy J Fold wallets online.

So thats it! The top 10 wallets for men in 2007. Paul Smith comes high (as might be expected) but it is clear there are many great alternatives for a man to carry in his back pocket.

MFB

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