• Land Rover Defender fan and life-long owner, Sir Paul Smith, collaborated with Land Rover on a 'one off' special edition of global automotive icon
• Bespoke Defender features hand-finished artwork, specially crafted by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations
• Exclusive film sees Sir Paul giving us an insight into his creative thinking and his work with Land Rover to create a bespoke vehicle

To coincide with London Fashion Week 2016, Land Rover has released a film of its collaboration with British designer, Sir Paul Smith, to create a bespoke Defender - which was revealed ahead of the Defender reaching the end of production.

Paul worked closely with Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) design team - which offers individual customer commissions and personalisation - to create a unique vehicle, built entirely to his own specification. With guidance from Land Rover's Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern, he was able to realise his uniquely-personal version of this global automotive icon.

In order to achieve the look he wanted, Paul gave the SVO team a set of Pantone colour references, which were then specially mixed to create the 27 colours used for the vehicle's exterior.

Speaking of the bespoke vehicle, Sir Paul Smith said, "Inside, black leather contrasts against blue stitching and there are lots of little hidden details throughout. For example, there is an image of a set of keys printed inside the glove compartment. Then there is a hand-painted bee on the roof, which is another little tongue-in-cheek reference to the countryside and the heritage of the car. Also, the traditional Defender clock has been replaced with a Paul Smith fascia. My designs are known for their attention to detail, so I didn't want this Defender to be any different."

ENDS

For further information log onto www.uk.media.landrover.com or contact:

Kim Palmer
Public Relations Manager, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 564 129
M: 07795 666 169
E: kpalmer@landrover.com

Tracey Tompsett
Senior Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 565 210
M: 07469 032 064
E:  ttompset@landrover.com

Rebecca Wright
Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 566 334
M: 07469 025162
E:  rwright4@landrover.com

Editors Note:

Land Rover

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80% of this model range exported to over 170 countries.

About Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations

Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations deliver high performance and luxury halo vehicles for discerning and enthusiast customers. SVO also produces low volume, high value limited edition models for both brands and undertakes personalisation and bespoke commissions.

Paul Smith in 25 words

Paul Smith is Britain's foremost designer. He is renowned for his creative aesthetic that combines tradition with modernity.

Paul Smith extended

Paul Smith is Britain's foremost designer. He is renowned for his creative spirit which combines tradition and modernity. Famous for its clothing and accessories collections, Paul Smith specialises in an inventive use of traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge design to create beautifully made, desirable, modern pieces.

Paul Smith is a tastemaker - a leader of British and international design trends. With an enthusiasm for eclectic cultural references and idiosyncratic combinations, applied with understatement Paul Smith expresses a truly contemporary aesthetic.

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