Paul Smith seeks agency to handle 2m international ad campaign

Paul Smith, the upmarket fashion designer, is believed to be talking to advertising agencies and media planners about a possible international advertising campaign.

The company uses Aboud Sodano to create its advertising, and Red Media handles its buying.

A spokeswoman for the company denies Paul Smith is looking for an agency, but says it has hired a strategy consultant who may be talking to agencies. The spokeswoman adds “There is a consultant looking at all areas of our business.”

Paul Smith spends approximately 150,000 a year in the UK, but the consultant is understood to be briefing agencies on a 2m international project – the clothing is available in 42 countries.

Asia is an important market for Paul Smith: 75 per cent of the company’s 170m turnover comes from Japan, where the label is stocked in 200 shops.

Paul Smith is one of the UK’s most well-known designers. He designed the suits worn by the England football team during the World Cup. He also designed ranges of clothing under the Marks & Spencer label for ten years.