Top image: courtesy of Paul Smith 

London designer Paul Smith is teaming up with music streaming service Apple Music to release three carefully curated playlists documenting the music and artists which have influenced both his work and personal relationships over the years (the collaboration follows Apple’s rap-heavy team-up with Alexander Wang).

Smith’s connection to music goes back decades, with a heavy catalogue of musician muses. Recently, he collaborated with long-time friend and musical heavyweight David Bowie on his album The Next Day, and released a special t-shirt earlier this year to coincide with Bowie’s final album, Blackstar. “From the album artwork to the friendships I’ve built over the years with musicians, it’s all a part of my creative process,” explained Smith.

The first playlist is a roadtrip-worthy soundtrack to Smith’s many travels between major fashion cities, aptly titled ‘Around the World in twenty tracks’ (expect The Clash, Patti Smith and Jeff Buckley). Then there’s ‘Something old, something new…’ a playlist constructed in four parts that amalgamates past and present to mirror Paul’s famous design mantra: ‘you can find inspiration in everything.’ Lastly, Smith channels his passion for jazz in to the playlist ‘From Herbie to Holiday’, presenting artists he was fortunate enough to see live as a young man – so that’s where you got your dance moves from, Paul.

Smith’s latest venture in music follows from his most recent collection, which was inspired by the music of Notting Hill Carnival and reggae trailblazer Bob Marley.

Listen to the playlists now here.