The worlds of high fashion and automotive design are colliding again – this time in full color and playful sophistication. MINI and Sir Paul Smith, two quintessentially British icons, have unveiled a brand-new Paul Smith Edition for the MINI Cooper family, officially launched at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Rather than a limited run, this edition is positioned as a fully integrated “Style” option across multiple MINI models – a bold statement that pure design can be scalable.
Here’s what makes this partnership truly special – and why it matters on the global stage.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Paul Smith’s love for MINI stretches back decades. His first collaboration with the brand dates to the late 1990s, when he wrapped a classic Mini in his signature multicolored stripes. Over the years, the two brands have kept returning to each other, evolving together. The 2025 edition builds on this legacy, but with a modern twist – accessible, refined, and deeply rooted in shared British creativity.
MINI’s Head of Design, Holger Hampf, puts it well: “Unexpected elements, such as the ‘hello’ light projection on the ground and Paul Smith’s handwritten inscription bring a smile to your face right upon entering the car.”
Striking and Thoughtful Design
The exterior palette of the MINI Paul Smith Edition plays off both heritage and subtle innovation:
- Statement Grey: A reinterpretation of the classic Austin Seven’s bluish-grey from 1959.
- Inspired White: A modern take on the old Mini Beige.
- Midnight Black Metallic: Sleek, elegant, and timeless.
Accent touches in Nottingham Green – a nod to Smith’s birthplace – appear on the roof (if you choose that option), wing mirrors, and the frame around the octagonal grille. For those who pick a roof in that green, you’ll also get Smith’s iconic “Signature Stripe” just behind the driver’s door.
Other exterior details include 18-inch Night Spoke alloy wheels with center caps engraved with Paul Smith’s name, and a reimagined MINI badge in a Black-Blue gradient.
The Personality Inside
Open the door and you immediately feel the designer’s touch:
- A “Hello” light projection welcomes you from the side mirrors as soon as you approach the car.
- The door sills are inscribed with Smith’s handwritten motto: “Every day is a new beginning.”
- On the floor mats, there’s a charming rabbit graphic, hand-drawn by Smith – a playful signature and good-luck symbol.
Inside, the seats come in Nightshade Blue Vescin, detailed with knitted fabric inserts inspired by Paul Smith’s iconic stripe patterns. The steering wheel features a fabric strip and colorful stitching that directly references Smith’s signature stripe design. Even the dashboard and door panels are reinterpreted with black knitted surfaces that feel tactile and modern.
The digital side isn’t left out either – the car’s central OLED display offers three exclusive Paul Smith background themes when the “Personal Mode” is on.
Why This Edition Feels Different (in a Good Way)
What sets the MINI Paul Smith Edition apart is its scalability. Unlike some fashion-automotive tie-ins that run in tiny, exclusive numbers, this one is offered across multiple models: Cooper 3-door, 5-door, Convertible, and even the electric Cooper. It’s not just a style showpiece – it’s a real lifestyle choice for MINI buyers.
The edition’s world availability underscores its global ambition. Pricing starts from around €41,330 (or £32,705) in markets like Europe and the UK, with deliveries expected in spring 2026.
The collaboration is more than superficial branding. According to both MINI and Paul Smith, this is a genuine design partnership rooted in shared values – craftsmanship, optimism, and personality. Smith himself describes it as “two icons of British design working together,” while MINI’s designers emphasize the balance of heritage and innovation.
Bridging Fashion and Automotive Worlds
This release is significant because it represents a new era in cross-industry design. Here’s why the MINI Paul Smith Edition is more than just a pretty collaboration:
- Design Language, Not Just Decoration
This isn’t a superficial facelift. From stripe-patterned upholstery to personalized lighting and stitching, the Paul Smith Edition is deeply designed. It’s a fashion aesthetic translated into a car – not just pasted on it.
- Accessible Luxury
By making these design touches available at point-of-sale (rather than limiting them to a few exclusive units), MINI is democratizing designer editions. For customers, checking a “Paul Smith Edition” box is now part of the regular buying process.
- Sustainability + Craftsmanship
The interior uses knitted, recycled fabrics, reflecting both modern sensibility and environmental consciousness — something increasingly relevant in both the fashion and auto industries.
- Cultural Resonance
Launching at Japan’s Mobility Show wasn’t just practical – it was symbolic. Paul Smith has a deep, long-standing connection to Japan, and MINI has a strong customer base there. The collaboration resonates in markets that appreciate design as heritage and expression.
- Emotional Storytelling
Personal touches – like the rabbit motif, the “hello” lighting, and the “new beginning” message – imbue the car with warmth and narrative. It’s not just about driving; it’s about feeling and belonging.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, even the most dazzling design collaboration isn’t without risks:
- Pricing Barrier: While this is a special edition, the higher cost may deter more price-sensitive buyers.
- Purist Pushback: Traditional MINI fans (especially those who love classic simplicity) might find the design too decorative.
- Production Scalability: If demand surges, MINI has to balance quality craftsmanship (like custom upholstery and stitching) with efficient production.
- Long-Term Relevance: Design editions can sometimes feel dated if not refreshed or if they lean too heavily on novelty.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Industry
The MINI Paul Smith Edition could set a benchmark for future cross-industry collaborations. If successful, it may encourage other fashion houses or artists to embed their design DNA into production vehicles – not just as limited-run curiosities, but as full, scalable “style editions.”
This could shift how automakers approach premium customization. Rather than one-off partnerships, we might see more design-led options integrated into standard model lineups – especially as consumers increasingly value personalization and storytelling as much as performance.
Conclusion
At its heart, the new MINI Paul Smith Edition is more than a “designer car.” It’s a celebration of British creativity, a bridge between fashion and mobility, and a bold statement in global design.
By bringing Sir Paul Smith’s timeless color sensibility and playful detail into multiple MINI models – and doing so at scale – this collaboration signals a powerful shift. It tells the world: you can have a car that drives well, looks beautifully thought-out, and carries a story that’s both personal and cultural.
In combining two icons who share a passion for individuality, optimism, and quality, MINI and Paul Smith haven’t just made a special edition – they’ve created a modern classic.
