Some partnerships just make sense. Fish and chips. Gin and tonic. And for decades, the worlds of automotive verve and high fashion have collided in the form of MINI and Sir Paul Smith. It’s a collaboration that feels as quintessentially British as a rainy day at Wimbledon, and now, it’s back with a new chapter. Fresh from its world premiere at the Japan Mobility Show, MINI has confirmed that the latest MINI Paul Smith Edition is destined for downunder shores, bringing with it a masterclass in subtle flair and playful design.
This isn’t just a sticker pack and some fancy floor mats. This is a deep, thoughtful collaboration that honours the shared history of two British icons. Sir Paul Smith himself commented on the enduring partnership: “It’s not often that two icons of British design work together in this way, and it’s wonderful that our partnership has lasted so many years. The MINI Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege, offering new colours and unexpected details that will be a welcomed surprise”. That sense of surprise and discovery is woven into the very fabric of the car. The new edition is set to debut in Australia with the launch of the all-new MINI Cooper Electric in March 2026, before rolling out across the MINI Cooper 3-door, 5-door, and Convertible models later that same year.
An Unmistakable Look with a British Twist
At first glance, the MINI Paul Smith Edition exudes a sophisticated restraint. Buyers can choose from three distinct exterior paint finishes. Two are exclusive to the edition: ‘Statement Grey,’ a modern take on the 1959 Mini Austin Seven’s classic grey but with a contemporary bluish tint, and ‘Inspired White,’ which pays homage to the beloved Classic Mini Beige. The third option is the elegant and familiar ‘Midnight Black Metallic’ from the current MINI palette.
But the magic is in the details. Regardless of the body colour, sophisticated accents are painted in a specially created ‘Nottingham Green’—a direct tribute to Sir Paul’s hometown. This distinctive green adorns the side mirrors, the octagonal grille surround, and the wheel hub covers, which also feature Paul Smith lettering. The roof itself becomes a canvas for Smith’s creative expression. One option features his famous ‘Signature Stripe’ subtly placed at the rear of the driver’s side against the Nottingham Green paintwork. The alternative is a series of elegant Jet Black stripes of varying thickness, presented in both matte and glossy finishes for a dynamic effect. For those opting for the drop-top experience, the MINI Cooper Convertible Paul Smith Edition comes with a classic black soft top. The entire package sits on 18-inch Night Spoke aluminium wheels in Dark Steel Flash, with Paul Smith’s own signature appearing on the rear handle strip, a final creative sign-off.
A Cabin of Character and Playful Surprises
Step inside, and the collaboration deepens. The interior is a study in texture and discreet fun. The dashboard and door panels feature knitted black surfaces directly inspired by the tone-on-tone stripe patterns found in Paul Smith’s tailoring. Nightshade Blue sports seats are crafted from Vescin and feature knitted textile inserts, while the steering wheel gets a pop of bright, contrasting decorative stitching—a detail that is quintessentially Paul Smith.
The real joy comes from the hidden “Easter eggs” scattered throughout the cabin. A “Hello” greeting is projected onto the ground when you open the door, the door sills carry the motto “Everyday is a new beginning,” and a cheeky, hand-drawn rabbit graphic (a recurring motif in Smith’s work) can be found on the floor mats. The iconic circular central display also gets the designer treatment, offering three exclusive Paul Smith backgrounds when ‘Personal Mode’ is selected, allowing the driver to further customise their environment.
A Timeline of Creative Collaboration
This latest edition is a new chapter in a success story that began in 1998 when Sir Paul first wrapped a Classic Mini Cooper in his trademark design. A year later, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Mini, he created a famous one-off model adorned with his “Signature Stripes,” using 86 stripes in 26 different colours.
More recently, the partnership has explored themes of sustainability and minimalism. The 2021 MINI STRIP was a radical one-off vehicle designed using only what Smith considered “absolutely necessary,” resulting in a customised car that was minimalist yet full of loving details. In 2022, the MINI Recharged by Paul Smith project saw a classic 1998 Mini transformed into a modern electric vehicle, perfectly bridging the brand’s heritage with its electric future. This history demonstrates a partnership that has evolved from aesthetic celebration to a deeper exploration of design philosophy.
Tarmac Takeaway
The creative flow between the two brands has always been a two-way street. MINI has often appeared as a motif in Paul Smith’s fashion collections over the years. To celebrate this new vehicle launch, the designer has created a capsule collection of bags inspired by details from the car. This collection is available now on the Paul Smith website and will be in select stores from next year, allowing enthusiasts to carry a piece of the collaboration with them.
For Australian fans, the wait begins. The MINI Paul Smith Edition will first appear on the MINI Cooper Electric in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the rest of the Cooper family later in the year. While Australian pricing is yet to be announced, one thing is certain: this is more than just a car. It’s a rolling piece of design history, a celebration of British creativity, and a future classic in the making.
