A well-respected designer, especially in the fashion world, Paul Smith opened his first shop in 1970, after learning tailoring in evening classes. He now has over 300 shops all around the world, and his 'classics with a twist' take on British style has become a cult favourite in Japan. Along with clothing, Paul Smith has designed an Anglepoise lamp, a special bespoke Land Rover Defender, and a reinterpretation of Richard Scarry's book for children, 'Cars and Trucks and Things that Go'. There have been two exhibitions of his work at the London Design Museum, and was knighted in the year 2000 for his services to British fashion.

That's all very nice and interesting, but we became much more interested when he designed a pen, along with Caran d'Ache. It's a special edition (or several special editions, really) of their design classic, the 849, in special colours.

This slim fountain pen is made from aluminium and comes in a bold sky blue/lavender two tone design. The fourth series of collaborations between the famous English designer and Caran d'Ache, the goal was to seek out a more innovative design. The two tones really stands out. Each Paul Smith 849 carries the designer's familiar signature and is supplied in an ultra-thin presentation tin decorated with the same two tone design as the pen.

Fine stainless steel nib. Refill using international standard sized ink cartridges or use a converter for use with bottled ink.