This Mini Is More Designer Bag Than Car

There are collaborations, and then there’s this one. Mini and Sir Paul Smith, two icons of British design, have teamed up again to prove that heritage doesn’t have to mean predictable. The result is the Mini Paul Smith Edition, a sharply tailored remix of Britain’s most charming compact, unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

This isn’t their first rodeo. From the pinstriped Mini of 1999 to the minimalist Mini Strip in 2021 and the electric Recharged project a year later, the duo’s past collabs have danced between nostalgia and reinvention. But this new edition is different. It’s less concept art and more of a streetwear drop, ready to drop straight into your Instagram feed. Available across the Cooper 3-Door, 5-Door and Convertible (sorry, no JCW this time), it’s a showcase of colour, craft, and British wit.

Tailored Like a Savile Row Suit

Sir Paul’s “classic with a twist” mantra shows up everywhere here. The car comes in three finishes: Statement Grey as a nod to the original 1959 Austin Seven, Inspired White for that soft vintage glow, and Midnight Black Metallic because timeless never needs an explanation.

Then there’s Nottingham Green, a subtle accent paying tribute to Paul’s hometown. It highlights the mirrors, grille, hubcaps and roof, which itself can be dressed in his signature stripes or a glossy matte black combo. The whole thing feels confident, curated, and unapologetically stylish.

The Interior Vibe Check

Step inside and Mini does what Mini does best: make you grin before you even start the engine. A glowing “hello” projection greets you when you open the door, while the sill plates whisper, “Every day is a new beginning.” The dash and doors are wrapped in knitted textiles inspired by Paul Smith fabrics, and the Nightshade Blue seats mix modern Vescin with colourful stitching. A hand-drawn rabbit hides on the floor mat. Because of course it does.

Switch the central display to Personal Mode, and custom Paul Smith digital wallpapers appear. It’s all beautifully overthought in the best possible way.

A Legacy Recharged

Paul Smith and Mini have been flirting with each other for over two decades. From a limited blue Mini in 1998 to that rainbow-striped legend a year later. Their latest collaboration feels like a natural evolution: playful yet refined, creative yet familiar.

And yes, there’s a Paul Smith capsule bag collection to match, because coordination is half the fun.

The Mini Paul Smith Edition isn’t loud, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s clever, confident, and effortlessly British. The kind of car that proves design can still smile back at you.