For MINI fans, special editions are nothing new, but few carry the kind of design heritage this one does. The upcoming 2026 MINI Paul Smith Edition isn’t just another paint-and-sticker package; it’s the latest chapter in a partnership that’s helped define MINI’s creative side for more than two decades. And based on our early look, this one might be the best yet.

From the all-electric J01 Cooper SE to the petrol-powered F66 Cooper, this new edition promises the kind of quiet detail and craftsmanship that MINI enthusiasts love, shaped by one of Britain’s most influential designers. Even if you don’t know Paul Smith by name, you’ve likely felt his influence, clean lines, clever color, and a sense of fun that fits MINI perfectly.

Paul Smith summed it up best: “It’s not often that you see two icons of British design work together in this way. The MINI Paul Smith Edition has been a real privilege… new colours and unexpected details that will be a welcomed surprise.”

This latest collaboration between MINI and Paul Smith is more than a limited-edition model. It’s a continuation of a creative dialogue that’s been evolving for more than 25 years, a conversation about simplicity, color, and character that has defined both brands in their own ways.

A Shared Design Language

Sir Paul Smith’s design ethos has always balanced classic British tailoring with unexpected twists. His fashion is known for clean lines punctuated by subtle surprises—bright stitching on a navy suit, or a flash of pattern hidden in a cuff. It’s a language of restraint and wit, a way of making the ordinary feel special without shouting about it.

MINI has long followed a similar path. Since its relaunch in 2001, the brand has built its identity around clever details, emotional design, and a sense of optimism baked into every curve and toggle. When Smith and MINI come together, the result isn’t just surface-level style—it’s a blending of philosophies that celebrate timeless design with personality.

A History of Collaboration

The partnership between MINI and Paul Smith began in 1998 with the first Paul Smith Mini, a one-off classic that quickly became one of the most recognizable custom Minis ever created. Finished in Paul Smith Blue—a bespoke shade inspired by his menswear collections—the car featured hidden accents in citrus green and a signature stripe motif. Only 1,800 were produced, and they’ve become some of the most collectible classic Minis ever built.

The relationship resurfaced in 2021 with the MINI STRIP, a concept car that stripped the modern MINI Cooper SE down to its bare essentials. It was a minimalist design statement focused on sustainability, built using recycled materials and left intentionally raw. Smith called it “a design exercise in reduction,” and it showed just how aligned the two brands are in their approach to craft and purpose.

Now, with the 2025 Paul Smith Edition, that relationship steps into production once again—this time across MINI’s new generation of Coopers, from the electric J01 MINI Cooper SE to the petrol-powered F66 Cooper and its derivatives.

A Study in Subtlety

The new MINI Paul Smith Edition comes in three carefully chosen colorways, two of which are exclusive to this collaboration. Statement Grey reimagines the original 1959 Mini Austin Seven hue with a modern, blue-tinted twist. Inspired White nods to the classic Mini’s beige with a crisper, contemporary tone. And Midnight Black Metallic, drawn from MINI’s current palette, adds a grounding elegance to the mix.

Beyond the paint, it’s the smaller touches that make this car unmistakably Paul Smith. His signature “Signature Stripe” runs across the roof in Nottingham Green, tucked just behind the driver’s side like a hidden flourish from a well-tailored suit. An alternative version introduces Jet Black stripes in varying thicknesses, alternating matte and gloss finishes for subtle contrast. The convertible variant finishes the look with a simple black soft top—clean, confident, and timeless.

The Art of Understatement

As we’ve said before on MotoringFile, the best MINI designs reveal themselves over time. The Paul Smith Edition works exactly that way. At first glance, it feels understated—especially compared to some of MINI’s louder limited editions of the past. But the longer you look, the more the details surface. The way the colors interact with light. The precision in the stripes. The thoughtful placement of every accent.

It’s this quiet confidence that makes the design work. Smith hasn’t gone for nostalgia or flamboyance. Instead, he’s found that sweet spot between restraint and expression—creating a car that feels instantly familiar, yet quietly distinctive. It’s a modern interpretation of what made the original Paul Smith Mini so special: a piece that doesn’t need to shout to be noticed.

Looking Ahead

While MINI hasn’t confirmed which trims the Paul Smith Edition will be offered on, history suggests it may be exclusive to the “S” variants. If so, that would place it squarely in MINI’s tradition of special editions that combine performance and design flair, like the Sidewalk Convertible or Goodwood Edition before it.

The car will make its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29, during the BMW Group keynote at 9:55 JST. And while official pricing and availability remain under wraps, it’s clear MINI views this as a flagship design statement for the new Cooper family.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Combination

More than two decades after their first project together, the relationship between MINI and Paul Smith feels as relevant as ever. Both brands have evolved, but their shared sensibility—one of optimism, cleverness, and craft—remains at the core.

The 2025 MINI Paul Smith Edition captures that perfectly. It’s sophisticated but playful, detailed but not overdesigned. Like a great piece of tailoring, it rewards the closer look.

Read our original exclusive: Exclusive: New Paul Smith Edition MINI Cooper Is Coming to Production

See the official teaser: MINI Teases New Paul Smith Editions Ahead of Global Debut