The Diary: Inside the Paul Smith 50th Anniversary Dinner

The British designer gathered friends old and new in Paris to celebrate the brand's 50th birthday

British designer Paul Smith got his epnymous brand’s milestone year off to a jubilant start this week. 2020 sees the company mark its 50th anniversary and the celebrations started during Paris Fashion Week with a special AW20 collection riffing on the house’s signature designs.

This was followed by an elegant cocktail reception and dinner held at Le Trianon theatre where guests were treated to a menu devised by Arnold & Henderson. Famous fans of the brand, including long-time friends Sir Ian McKellen and Bill Nighy as well as new converts Jonah Hauer-King and Edward Bleumel, turned out to raise a toast – and dance the night away to a playlist personally curated by Sir Paul himself. Scroll down to see more…

Sir Ian McKellen and Niall Horan

Sir Ian McKellen and Niall Horan

Bill Nighy and Anna Wintour

Bill Nighy and Anna Wintour

Jon Hamm and Susan Sarandon

Jon Hamm and Susan Sarandon

Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci

Felicity Blunt and Stanley Tucci

Laura Carmichael

Laura Carmichael

Jacob Anderson, Vicky McClure and Joe Dempsie

Jacob Anderson, Vicky McClure and Joe Dempsie

Craig Roberts

Craig Roberts

Edward Bluemel

Edward Bluemel

Naomi Ackie

Naomi Ackie

Billy Howle, Jack Bannon and Jonah Hauer-King

Billy Howle, Jack Bannon and Jonah Hauer-King

Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Braimah Kanneh-Mason

Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Braimah Kanneh-Mason

Mark Strong and Liza Marshall

Mark Strong and Liza Marshall

Greta Bellamacina and Olympia Campbell

Greta Bellamacina and Olympia Campbell

Step inside the Tom Ford fragrance launch at Annabel’s

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