Paul Smith is now at the center of his own fashion empire but, in his younger days, he dreamed of becoming a professional racing cyclist.
Paul Smith is now at the center of his own fashion empire but, in his younger days, he dreamed of becoming a professional racing cyclist.
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The Nottingham-born designer's London office is full of trinkets from around the world. Smith has a huge collection of famous cycling jerseys and a hoard of gifts from the sport's most famous names.
The Nottingham-born designer's London office is full of trinkets from around the world. Smith has a huge collection of famous cycling jerseys and a hoard of gifts from the sport's most famous names.
CNN
A jersey given to Smith by Bradley Wiggins, the first Briton to win the Tour de France and a four-time Olympic gold medalist.
A jersey given to Smith by Bradley Wiggins, the first Briton to win the Tour de France and a four-time Olympic gold medalist.
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Wiggins recently broke the world hour record at the same velodrome used for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Wiggins recently broke the world hour record at the same velodrome used for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
This Tour de France yellow jersey belong to Marco Pantani, who won the race in 2008 but was subsequently plagued by doping allegations.
This Tour de France yellow jersey belong to Marco Pantani, who won the race in 2008 but was subsequently plagued by doping allegations.
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The Italian died in 2004 of cocaine poisoning.
The Italian died in 2004 of cocaine poisoning.
JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images/file
This bike, ridden to World Championship glory by Cavendish, is another memento on display in Smith's office. In the British designers' world, there is no such thing as too many bikes.
This bike, ridden to World Championship glory by Cavendish, is another memento on display in Smith's office. In the British designers' world, there is no such thing as too many bikes.
CNN
Smith celebrates with Cavendish after his win in the opening stage of the 2013 Giro d'Italia. The pink jerseys for the race were designed by Smith.
Smith celebrates with Cavendish after his win in the opening stage of the 2013 Giro d'Italia. The pink jerseys for the race were designed by Smith.
LUK BENIES/AFP/Getty Images/file
Talking of pink this extremely lightweight bike was a special edition designed by Smith for cycling fashion brand La Flamme Rouge, which takes its name from the red flag that is waved when there is one kilometer to go in a Tour de France stage.
Talking of pink this extremely lightweight bike was a special edition designed by Smith for cycling fashion brand La Flamme Rouge, which takes its name from the red flag that is waved when there is one kilometer to go in a Tour de France stage.
CNN
Smith also has a maillot jaune (yellow jersey) from Tour de France winner Chris Froome.
Smith also has a maillot jaune (yellow jersey) from Tour de France winner Chris Froome.
CNN
On the back of Smith's desk chair is a jacket that belonged to Usain Bolt.
On the back of Smith's desk chair is a jacket that belonged to Usain Bolt.
CNN
Among the boxes of famed photographs in his office is this one of the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France, held in Yorkshire, England.
Among the boxes of famed photographs in his office is this one of the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France, held in Yorkshire, England.
CNN
The first three stages of the 2014 event were held in Britain, culminating with the riders speeding through the streets of London.
The first three stages of the 2014 event were held in Britain, culminating with the riders speeding through the streets of London.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images/file
Over the past 20 years, Smith has received a host of weird and wonderful gifts from an unknown fan. The offerings always arrive unwrapped and covered in stamps.
Over the past 20 years, Smith has received a host of weird and wonderful gifts from an unknown fan. The offerings always arrive unwrapped and covered in stamps.
CNN
Smith also holds an interest in gardening and is pictured here at the Chelsea Flower Show. He's previously spoken of how he enjoys the creative aspects of both fashion and horticulture.
Smith also holds an interest in gardening and is pictured here at the Chelsea Flower Show. He's previously spoken of how he enjoys the creative aspects of both fashion and horticulture.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
Smith walks the catwalk with models during the Paul Smith LFW Spring/Summer 2012 show at the Royal Horticultural Society on September 18, 2011 in London, England.
Smith walks the catwalk with models during the Paul Smith LFW Spring/Summer 2012 show at the Royal Horticultural Society on September 18, 2011 in London, England.