- Legendary UK fashion designer Paul Smith continues Mini collab.
- Paul Smith Edition will come in three body styles.
- New Zealand-bound for 2026, pricing to be announced.
Mini New Zealand will offer Paul Smith Editions of its Cooper 3-door, 5-door and convertible models from the second half of 2026. The new collaboration models were revealed at the Japan Mobility Show this month.
British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith and Mini have had a long-standing relationship. In 1998 a colloboration model produced in limited numbers embraced his signature colours.
In 1999 Smith wrapped a classic Mini in his trademark coloured-stripe design, to celebrate the model's 40th anniversary. It featured 86 stripes in 26 colours.
In 2021 he helped create the Mini Strip, which included only what he deemed necessary for a city vehicle as a study in sustainability. And in 2022 came the Mini Recharged, transforming a classic Mini Paul Smith Edition into a modern EV.
The new Mini Paul Smith Edition is offered in three exterior paint finishes, two of which are edition-exclusive. Statement Grey is a modern interpretation of the 1959 Mini Austin Seven grey, with a bluish tint for timeless appeal. Inspired White is an homage to the popular classic-Mini beige, while Midnight Black Metallic is a current Mini colour.
Regardless of the body colour, the specially created Nottingham Green paintwork – a tribute to Sir Paul's hometow - is used on the side mirrors, grille, wheel-hub covers with Paul Smith lettering and as the paintwork for one of the two roof variants.
The "Signature Stripe", a design feature of Smith, is on the Nottingham Green roof at the rear of the driver's side. The alternative version of the roof features stripes in Jet Black in varying thickness, both matte and glossy. The convertible has a black soft top.
All models wear 18-inch Night Spoke aluminium wheels in Dark Steel Flash, There's also a redesigned Mini logo in Black Blue. Smith’s signature appears on the rear handle strip.
Knitted black surfaces on the dashboard and door panels are inspired by Paul Smith’s tone-on-tone stripe patterns and fabrics, while Nightshade Blue sports seats in Vescin feature knitted textile inserts on the shoulder and headrests. Decorative stitching on the steering wheel adds a pop of bright colour, in the Paul Smith style.
The circular display in the centre of the cockpit offers three Paul Smith backgrounds when Personal Mode is selected. Details include a projected “Hello” greeting, the motto “Everyday is a new beginning” on the door sill, and a hand-drawn rabbit graphic on the floor mats.
“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," says Sir Paul. "The Mini Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege, offering new colours and unexpected details that will be a welcome surprise.”
Pricing for the cars will be announced closer to release. The launch will also be accompanied by a Paul Smith capsule bag collection.
