Monday, 11 December 2023
The traditional graduation mortar board was given a designer label makeover at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ today, as the university recognised ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s home-grown fashion designer Sir Paul Smith with an honorary degree.
Sir Paul became an honorary Doctor of Letters, in recognition of his contribution to the fashion industry through the international brand he has built since opening his first store in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in 1970, and the partnership which his company has forged with the university to support the city’s business growth, investment, and global profile.
And to mark the occasion, Paul Smith has designed a bespoke set of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ mortar boards with Ede & Ravenscroft featuring custom tassels taken from the company’s iconic colour palette and the Paul Smith signature stripes. The mortar boards will be donated to the university to be used in support of its charitable ventures.
Sir Paul Smith with the specially designed mortar boards to mark his honorary degree.
As part of the partnership, the groundbreaking ‘Paul Smith for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Collection’ was launched last year to help raise the profile of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ as a city of creativity, innovation and global connections after the pandemic. The collection pays tribute to his connection to his hometown and features the company’s striped design alongside a stylised depiction of the university’s iconic Trent Building. Items from the collection will be available to students and their families celebrating at this year’s Winter Graduation ceremonies at the university to take away as special memento of their time at the university and in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Sir Paul Smith is one of the best recognised British designers, establishing his namesake brand that now spans across multiple lines and creates clothing, accessories, shoes and fragrances, known widely for his use of colourful stripes.
He opened his first shop in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in 1970, selling other established brands as well as his own creations. In 1976, he debuted his first menswear collection in Paris under his eponymous label.
Now a global business, Paul Smith is sold in more than 70 countries and 3,000 retail stores.
Sir Paul received his honorary degree during the graduation ceremony held on University Park for students in the university’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
During his graduation speech, he congratulated the new graduates on their achievements, before speaking of his close links and affection for the city of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
As a young man living in Beeston and working in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, I would cycle by University Boulevard every day. The image of the original university building is etched into my memory and I can recall my father, who was born and raised in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, showing me photos of it being constructed.
He added: “As some of you might know, I started my business in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ over 50 years ago, beginning with a tiny 3 metre square shop in the centre of town. We now sell in over 60 countries around the world, employing over 1,200 people directly with nearly the same again in Japan, of which over 400 are based in our headquarters in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. Many of our staff were schooled in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s universities and believe it or not as an honorary freeman of the borough of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, I have the right to drive sheep over Trent Bridge! 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 is committed to helping ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s businesses and visitor economy recover from the pandemic by capitalising on its global connections. Over the next few years Paul Smith Ltd and the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ will be working together with the companies from across the city to help showcase ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ creativity and innovation to a global audience. The University’s international alumni around the world who have an affinity with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ as a place, not just as a university. The university also host of programme on behalf of the Midlands, funded by universities and the UK Government which is exploring practical ways in which universities can help boost regional trade and investment.
Notes to editors:
About the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what’s next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ invests in the city of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and in future generations of talent. Alongside ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we’re creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.