Paul Smith's Mini Cooper
Unveiled in Tokyo, the MINI Paul Smith Edition combines cult design and British whimsy. The third chapter in a winning partnership that began in 1998, this version is now available across the entire Cooper family, from petrol to electric models.
A couture partnership on wheels
This isn't the first time MINI and Paul Smith have teamed up, but this edition takes their creative dialogue to a new level. Following on from the MINI STRIP (in 2021) and the MINI Recharged (in 2022), the new collaboration combines the playful DNA of car manufacturer MINI with the ‘classic with a twist’ style of British fashion designer Smith. ‘It's not often that two icons of British design work together in this way, and it's wonderful that our partnership has continued for so many years,’ says Sir Paul Smith.
And indeed, it is in these famous details that the magic of the collaboration lies. The MINI Paul Smith Edition is dressed in exclusive colours with evocative names: Statement Grey, Inspired White and the classic Midnight Black. But the real signature lies elsewhere: in the touches of Nottingham Green, a tribute to the designer's hometown, which highlight the wing mirrors, grille and roof.
On the rear side, the famous Signature Stripe adds a colourful twist, while the 18-inch Night Flash Spoke wheels, the redesigned black and blue logos, and the designer's handwritten inscription on the door sills add a subtle and elegant finishing touch.
Interior elegance and bespoke heritage
Inside, British elegance is expressed with restraint. The midnight blue sports seats in Vescin (a premium vegan material), the textured dashboard inspired by Paul Smith fabrics and the coloured stitching on the steering wheel reflect the designer's taste for bespoke tailoring.
And as always with him, the charm also lies in the details: a ‘Hello’ projected onto the ground when the doors are opened, a stylised rabbit designed by Paul Smith on the floor mats for a touch of fun, and the motto ‘Everyday is a new beginning’ that welcomes the driver on the door sills.
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These subtle touches are not only aesthetic, but also tell a story: that of a creative collaboration that has lasted for more than twenty-five years. Paul Smith had already customised a blue Mini Classic in 1998, before revisiting it in a 100% electric version with the Mini Recharged. Today, the spirit remains the same: combining the past with innovation, without ever losing that quintessentially British touch.
To mark this new milestone, the designer has also created a capsule collection of bags inspired by the details of the car. A fashion nod for those who see the MINI Paul Smith as more than just a vehicle: a design piece in its own right.
Limited edition, unlimited spirit
The MINI Cooper E and SE Paul Smith Edition are already available to order, starting at €37,350, with deliveries scheduled for around spring 2026. An elegant way to drive the spirit of British fashion with a touch of impertinence and a good dose of allure...
Article written by Lohanne Mollo and translated by Bethszabee Garner
