FASHION designer Paul Smith has launched his first Scottish store in Glasgow's Merchant City.

Following the success of his exhibition in The Lighthouse earlier this year, the designer has opened a pop-up shop at unit 2, 190-208 Ingram Street, next to Ralph Lauren.

Smith is best known for his relaxed suits, floral shirts and colourfully striped scarves and accessories. 

His designs have featured on everything from a bespoke Land Rover Defender to books. He was knighted by the Queen in 2000.

The shop, which was formerly occupied by Jaeger, has been taken on a six month lease.

He confessed earlier this year to always having an affection for Glasgow, “based on the city’s strong art heritage and its wonderful link with creativity.”

Isla Monteith, Partner with Cushman & Wakefield, said: “I think the success of the Hello, My Name is Paul Smith exhibition which ran from January to March in Glasgow encouraged Paul to test the water with the launch of a temporary pop-up store in the city.

“Ingram Street is absolutely the right place for the brand to be, not only is the shop close to other high end fashion brands like Hugo Boss and Emporio Armani but also to the vibrant bars, restaurants and niche retailers of the Merchant City.”

Born and bred in Nottingham, Paul Smith started work in a clothing warehouse at the tender age of 16.

After a spell managing a boutique in Nottingham he opened a tiny shop in the town in 1970.

He took evening classes in tailoring while running the store and by 1976 he showcased his first menswear collection in Paris under the Paul Smith label.