Nottingham: Fashion designer Sir Paul Smith gets honorary degree

Paul Smith was given his degree by University of Nottingham vice-chancellor, Prof Shearer West

Fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has received an honorary university degree.

Nottingham-born Sir Paul was made a Doctor of Letters by the University of Nottingham on Wednesday.

The designer, who opened his first retail store in the East Midlands city in 1970, was recognised for his contribution to the fashion industry.

To mark the occasion he created a set of bespoke mortar boards, which the university said would be used to support its charitable causes.

Sir Paul received his honorary degree during a graduation ceremony, held at University Park, for students from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Sir Paul designed a set of mortar boards to mark the occasion

During his speech, he congratulated the new graduates before speaking of his close links and affection for Nottingham.

"As a young man living in Beeston and working in Nottingham, I would cycle by University Boulevard every day," he told the students.

"The image of the original university building is etched into my memory and I can recall my father, who was born and raised in Nottingham, showing me photos of it being constructed.

"It's a city I'm immensely proud to say I was born in. It's with great pleasure and gratitude that I receive this honorary degree, thank you very much."

The university said he was also given the honour for his partnership with the university.

Last year, the Paul Smith for the University of Nottingham Collection was launched, which the university said was to help raise the profile of Nottingham as a "city of creativity, innovation and global connections after the pandemic" and paid tribute to his connection to the city.

Sir Paul, who creates clothing, accessories, shoes and fragrances, is known for his use of colourful stripes.

In 1976, he debuted his first menswear collection in Paris and now the Paul Smith brand is sold in more than 60 countries and 3,000 retail stores, employing over 1,200 people - of which more than 400 are based at the headquarters in Nottingham.