Fashion designer Paul Smith receives honorary degree from Uni of Nottingham

‘It’s with great pleasure and gratitude that I receive this honorary degree’

11 months ago

Fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has received an honorary degree from the University of Nottingham. Born in Beeston, Nottingham, Sir Paul was recognised for his influence in the fashion industry, and was awarded his degree at a graduation ceremony last Wednesday for students at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, according to the university’s website.

To mark the occasion of the degree, awarded by Vice Chancellor Professor Shearer West, Smith created a set of bespoke mortar boards which the university has said it will be using to support charitable organisations.

via University of Nottingham.

“As a young man living in Beeston and working in Nottingham, I would cycle by University Boulevard every day,” he said in a speech addressed to the graduates.

“The image of the original university building is etched into my memory and I can recall my father, who was born and raised in Nottingham, showing me photos of it being constructed.

“It’s a city I’m immensely proud to say I was born in. It’s with great pleasure and gratitude that I receive this honorary degree, thank you very much.”

The degree was given to Smith as a thank you from the university for his collaboration and support. He released the Paul Smith for the University of Nottingham Collection last year, to raise the city’s profile as one “of creativity, innovation and global connections after the pandemic”.

Sir Paul’s brand, established in 1970, has over 3,000 retail stores and is sold in more than 70 countries. Of its 1,200 employees, over a third are based in the brand’s Nottingham headquarters.