When Gary Oldman was first nominated for an Oscar back in 2012, Paul Smith created the suit that the iconic actor wore to the ceremony. Sadly, Oldman didn’t win. However, after that oversight was rectified this year, the now Oscar-winning Oldman is in high Hollywood demand.
Taking a pause, though, before delving back into the world of acting, Oldman this week hosted a dinner with friend and frequent collaborator Paul Smith in Los Angeles.
In attendance were actors from Walton Goggins and Edgar Ramirez to Dan Stevens and Oldman’s fellow 2018 Oscar winner Sam Rockwell. All the actors converged on the Chateau Marmont penthouse for an al fresco dinner.
“I’ve been wearing Paul’s clothes since the late Eighties,” said Oldman at the event. “Back then, I could only afford a tie or a shirt on actor’s wages in the theater. I used to wear secondhand clothes, like old Forties suits.
“Then I started to make a little bit of money as an actor,” he added, “not very much, but that’s when I went into the Paul Smith store. The clothes were classic English tailoring, but with whimsy.”
Sir Paul was just as glowing about his friend. “It’s been a pretty smashing year for him,” said Smith of Oldman, “with a well-deserved, overdue Oscar, and an important birthday, his 60th birthday.”
Also in attendance was Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens, who is known for his colourful suiting and had been waiting to meet Sir Paul for some time.
“It’s quintessentially British in that sense,” he said. “It’s classic with a twist. I love his use of colours. He’s playful in that respect and particularly in men’s wear, there’s no reason why men can’t play with colours. Last week at the ‘Legion’ premiere, I wore a really fun pink suit. Why not?”
Paul Smith’s new collection features bright patterned short sleeve shirts, raw denim jackets and lots and lots of suede. Also present are patched jeans – a new speciality Sir Paul picked up from Japan.
In fact, Smith had just flown in from Japan for the LA dinner. “I arrived last night from Japan,” Sir Paul explained. “I had one of those very long Mondays. You do a whole day in Tokyo, have supper, get on a plane at 11 o’clock at night for ten hours, you arrive and it’s still Monday.”
Want more Paul Smith? Watch our Walking and Talking interview with the man behind the brand…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
