Smythson news and archive

Smythson X sacai: Commitment to timeless craftsmanship

Launching on 13th February 2026, Smythson and sacai are proud to unveil a collaboration that blends Smythson’s commitment to timeless craftsmanship with sacai creative director Chitose Abe’s distinctive hybrid design aesthetic. The collaboration was conceived out of Chitose Abe’s personal connection to the brand as a long-standing Smythson...

Retail

Smythson opens Liberty concession in meeting of heritage British brands

Two stalwarts of British design heritage are joining forces this summer, as Smythson of Bond Street opens a new concession in Liberty’s Regent Street flagship. The move brings together two 19th-century-founded brands whose reputations have been built on craftsmanship, quality materials and a certain understated luxury. The concession, which...

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Business

Smythson acquisition signals Oakley Capital’s deeper move into luxury heritage portfolios

Smythson of Bond Street, the 137-year-old British purveyor of leather goods and paper-based luxury, has secured a new chapter in its storied evolution through investment from Oakley Capital. The move positions Smythson within Oakley’s increasingly focused play on heritage-led, high-margin lifestyle brands via its Iconic BrandCo platform. The...

People

Smythson names Paolo Porta as CEO

British luxury leather goods and stationery brand Smythson has appointed experienced fashion and luxury executive Paolo Porta as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. Porta was most recently chief executive of Hunter, a role he took on permanently in 2021 after joining the British footwear brand in June 2020 as interim CEO....

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Fashion |IN PICTURES

LFW: Debut Smythson collection from Luc Goidadin

Smythson’s creative director Luc Goidadin showcased his first collection for the heritage brand during London Fashion Week, introducing new shapes and finishes to the brand’s leather goods. Editors and buyers meandering through the Portico Rooms of Somerset House, where each room explored the idea of an ‘emporium’, with the concept of the “...

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People

Smythson appoints new chief executive

British luxury brand Smythson has appointed Xavier Rougeaux as chief executive officer, effective October 2018, as it looks to enhance the brands “omnichannel experience and boost global awareness”. Rougeaux, who previously served as chief commercial officer at Smythson during a period of international expansion, where he defined the brand...

Video

Smythson x Quentin Jones

British luxury leather goods and stationery label, Smythson has teamed up with model and illustrator Quentin Jones for the second time to launch limited-edition, Smythson Panama Collection. The 10 piece collaborative collection showcases unique graphic illustrations, such as an eye, ink splatters and heart forms, a winking cat face as well as a...

Design

Smythson names owner Jacques Bahbout new CEO

British luxury leather goods and stationery label, Smythson, has named its current chairman and owner, Jacques Bahbout, Chief Executive Officer. Bahbout is set to succeed the company's previous CEO, Andy Janowski, who left his position at the company end of last year. Janowski, who was previously a non-executive director at Smythson before...

Design

Smythson to show at LFW

British luxury leather goods brand Smythson is to make its London Fashion Week debut this September with a presentation on Sunday, September 15. The British brand, known for its accessories, handbags and leather-bound stationery, isn’t disclosing the details of the event, only confirming that it will celebrate the brand’s key bag of the season,...

Design

Smythson appoints design director

Smythson, the iconic British luxury leather goods brand, has announced the appointment of Rory O’Hanlon to the new position of Design Director, effective immediately. Joining Smythson from American accessories brand, Coach, O’Hanlon will be responsible for the design direction across all product categories, and has been appointed to “providing...

Video

Smythson in Bloom

British luxury leather and stationary company Smythson is taking part in this year’s Chelsea in Bloom art show celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with a floral tribute to Her Majesty’s Coronation. Designed as an extension of its latest windows created in collaboration with British illustrator Kerry Lemon, the display recreates a...

Design

Smythson name new CEO

British luxury leather and stationary company Smythson has appointed Burberry’s former chief operations officer Andy Janowski as its new CEO. Janowski, who has been a member of Smythson’s board for the past 18 months, takes over the CEO role from the brand’s owner, Jacques Bahbout, who also serves as the label’s chairman. Prior to Burberry,...