“…British with a twist, a phrase that captures the very spirit of British creativity, is brought vividly back to life through the latest collaboration between two legendary design icons from the United Kingdom, Paul Smith and MINI Cooper. Their joint creation, the MINI Paul Smith Edition, represents a seamless fusion of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation, encapsulating a fresh take on Britishness, classic yet never conventional, modern yet unmistakably distinctive…”
The relationship between Paul Smith and MINI is far from fleeting; it is a continued story of design friendship that began in 1998, when Paul Smith first designed a special edition MINI in a striking shade of blue, a model that went on to become a symbol of British playfulness and creativity. Their partnership later evolved with the MINI STRIP in 2021 and MINI Recharged by Paul Smith in 2022, both of which expressed the designer’s signature philosophy of “classic with a twist” in its purest form.
In 2025, the collaboration reaches a new chapter with the debut of the MINI Paul Smith Edition at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo. Once again, Paul Smith reinterprets MINI’s iconic DNA through his creative lens, bringing a modern, spirited, and characterful identity to life. The special edition will be available in the MINI Cooper 3-door, 5-door, and Convertible models, with the exception of the John Cooper Works.
This exclusive edition offers three exterior colourways inspired by distinct eras of British style: Statement Grey, a blue-tinged grey reminiscent of the 1959 Mini Austin Seven; Inspired White, a contemporary reimagining of the classic Mini Beige, and Midnight Black Metallic, a timeless hue from the MINI family. Each model is accented with Nottingham Green, a tribute to Paul Smith’s hometown, adorning the mirror caps, front grille, wheel covers, and roof. The choice of detail reflects the meticulous eye of a designer who understands the subtle beauty of refinement.
Every element of the car continues to embody Paul Smith’s creative essence, from the hidden Signature Stripe on the roof and 18-inch Night Spoke aluminium wheels in Dark Steel Flash, to the Black Blue MINI emblem, which lends a contemporary touch of sophistication. The rear features Paul Smith’s hand-signed signature, a symbolic seal of creative integrity and British craftsmanship.
Inside, the cabin radiates an understated British elegance. The black knitted fabric upholstery offers both warmth and modernity, while the Nightshade Blue sport seats, crafted from eco-friendly Vescin material, feature subtle Signature Stripe accents on the shoulders and headrests. The steering wheel is finished with colourful stitching that echoes Paul Smith’s iconic pattern. Whimsical details, such as the illuminated “Hello” projected onto the ground upon entry and the uplifting quote “Every day is a new beginning” inscribed along the door sills, capture the positive, optimistic spirit that unites both brands. A hand-drawn rabbit motif by Paul Smith himself adds a final touch of quintessential British wit.
To celebrate this collaboration, Paul Smith has also designed a special capsule collection inspired by MINI, featuring exclusive bags and accessories. This collection further cements the enduring friendship between two of Britain’s most recognisable icons, a partnership that continues to inspire the worlds of design and motoring alike.
The MINI Paul Smith Edition is therefore more than just a celebration of British design; it is a tribute to the ever-evolving spirit of creativity. Both brands share an outlook defined by playfulness, optimism, and a belief in finding beauty in simplicity, qualities that are vividly expressed in every detail of this extraordinary car.
