Renowned British design company Paul Smith has unveiled a new series of global activations centred around its iconic Signature Stripe, with the latest installation debuting in Hong Kong. Harbour City has partnered with Paul Smith to present the Stripe Illuminated installation, which features vibrant neon lights and introduces the first Bar Paul in Asia. This unique venue offers a one-of-a-kind wine-tasting experience that intertwines local culture with fashion aesthetics at Ocean Terminal Deck, boasting stunning views of Victoria Harbour.
The concept for Bar Paul is inspired by the Italian cafés frequented by Paul Smith during the 1960s in Soho, London. Originally envisioned for Smith’s Spring/Summer 2025 presentation in Florence, Bar Paul has now taken root in Harbour City as a limited-time pop-up bar. It will welcome guests every weekend from 28 September to 27 October 2024. The bar not only serves a curated selection of fine wines and special drinks but also introduces exclusive gin cocktails crafted specifically for Paul Smith. Guests can enjoy these beverages alongside a tempting array of delicacies prepared by selected restaurants within Harbour City. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to receive personalised gifts, including caricature portraits and Hong Kong-style keychains.
The Stripe Illuminated installation draws inspiration from the vibrant neon signage that lights up the bustling streets of Hong Kong, seamlessly merging Paul Smith’s brand story with the local cultural landscape. The installation features three 3x3m cubes that pay homage to the modest size of Paul Smith’s first shop in Nottingham, which opened in 1970. Each cube uniquely showcases the Paul Smith Signature Stripe and reflects the designer’s passions. Lightboxes within the installation highlight significant milestones from Smith’s life, including his childhood dream of cycling, his early career beginnings in a haberdashery, and his lifelong passion for photography, all presented through a nostalgic lens of Hong Kong’s vibrant style. Charming photo opportunities abound, with shimmering neon signs and a stylish stripy barber’s pole completing the installation’s aesthetic.
The Stripe Illuminated installation opens to the public with free entry from 28 September to 10 November 2024, inviting all to immerse themselves in the creative world of Paul Smith.
Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or a lover of fine drinks, this latest collaboration promises a classy yet relaxed atmosphere at Harbour City. With the intersection of art, culture, and a vibrant nightlife experience, this event exemplifies Paul Smith’s dedication to celebrating creativity and community.
