An Afghan hound once napped in a 12-foot fashion shop
The man who built a global brand with a dog as his first employee.
The story
Sir Paul Smith, a British designer, is described as the most successful of his generation, with a career spanning 56 years, a unique style, and a reputation for humor and hard work. His first shop in Nottingham had an Afghan hound named Homer, who was present but not formally a manager.
Source: wwd.com
Our reading
Paul Smith’s first shop in Nottingham was 12 feet by 12 feet, and the only employee was an Afghan hound named Homer. Not a manager, not a receptionist, just a dog who presumably napped on the floor while Smith learned how to sell clothes. It’s the kind of detail that makes you wonder if the dog was the real brains behind the operation, or if Smith just wanted a good excuse to avoid hiring someone. Either way, the man built a fashion empire while letting a dog nap in the corner. He’s 80 now, still works six days a week, and has a Mini Cooper that’s probably more stylish than your car. But the real kicker is that he once joked about helping a customer with a new tail. That’s not a metaphor. That’s just Paul Smith.
