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.

The slim retractable ballpoint made from aluminium is now available - while stocks last - in a selection of stylish colours inspired by Paul Smith's signature stripe motif. Each Paul Smith 849 carries the designer's familiar signature and is supplied in an ultra-thin presentation tin decorated with the Paul Smith stripes.

Fitted with the standard Caran d'Ache Goliath refill, good for 8000 metres of writing. A complete range of refills in four colours, plus fine and broad options are available.