When two British icons join forces, the result is rarely subtle. The new MINI Paul Smith Edition continues a design dialogue that began over a quarter of a century ago, bringing together Sir Paul Smith’s irreverent flair with MINI’s inimitable charm. Premiering at the Japan Mobility Show on 29 October 2025, this collaboration marks the next chapter in a story defined by craftsmanship, creativity and a distinctly British sense of humour.
Launching first with the MINI Cooper Electric, and soon to include the 3-Door, 5-Door, and Convertible models, the Paul Smith Edition embodies the designer’s mantra: classic with a twist. It’s a partnership built on shared values, both brands celebrating the joy of colour, the precision of detail and the enduring allure of good design. Visually, the car is unmistakably MINI, but with Paul Smith’s trademark mischief woven through every panel. Three exterior shades are available, Statement Grey, a crisp modern nod to the 1959 Austin Seven, Inspired White, echoing the beige of the classic Mini era, and finally Midnight Black, a familiar MINI favourite. The roof can be finished in Jet Black or Nottingham Green, which is a subtle tribute to Sir Paul’s hometown.
And then there are the unexpected touches: a handwritten “hello” puddle light greeting you at the door, and Paul Smith’s signature subtly inscribed at the rear. Even the MINI badge receives a makeover in Black and Blue, echoing the designer’s penchant for the playful and the precise. Inside, the collaboration comes to life. The familiar MINI interior has been reimagined through a Paul Smith lens, with a uniquely knitted dashboard and door panels which now carry tone-on-tone striped patterns. Look closer, and you’ll find a hand-drawn rabbit on the floor mats and the motto “Every day is a new beginning” etched into the sills, capturing the joyful optimism that defines both names.
It’s a design steeped in heritage. The pair’s story began in 1998 with the limited-run Paul Smith Mini, resplendent in the now-iconic Paul Smith Blue. A year later came the unforgettable striped one-off, painted in 86 stripes across 26 colours. The collaboration resurfaced in 2021 with the sustainable MINI STRIP, and again in 2022 when Smith electrified his original classic for the MINI Recharged project. What the future of this unique pairing will look like, time will tell!
