Bonkers suit linings, that signature multicoloured stripe and… The Macarena?
It’s not every fashion designer who closes their catwalk shows doing The Robot, but Paul Smith is no ordinary designer. The menswear maestro, who has been dressing London’s men for more than 30 years, is not only a dab hand at tailoring but boy, can he move. Smith’s love affair with dancing began in the 1970s with summer nights spent cutting a rug on the dance floor of Studio 54.
Fast forward to his AW19 fashion show finale and it was with a toe heel shuffle rather than a bow that he made his exit. Smithy, we salute you. We asked the fashion legend for his tips on how to dance like no one is watching.
The warm-up
Every man needs to limber up to get down. ‘The main thing is to get the blood pumping and get your muscles stretched,’ says Sir Paul. ‘I focus most of my stretching time on my calves and my feet; they’re two key areas.’ Swimming and Pilates are good for wannabe dad dancers, too, says a properly fit Sir Paul. ‘Both do an excellent job of stretching me out.’
The playlist
A good dance move needs a decent track. ‘I was privileged enough to have been able to visit Studio 54 several times in the late Seventies,’ says Sir Paul, ‘and a lot of my favourite dance tracks remind me of that time: “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees, of course, and “Le Freak” by Chic. The club was always very, very, VERY full so I struggle to imagine anyone having the space to do any proper dancing, but I have wonderful memories of long, exciting and energetic nights.’
Study the experts
‘It’s got to be Fred Astaire and John Travolta.’ Scour the internet and check out YouTube for clips of these legendary, how-to-dance pin-ups.
The first dance
Grooms-to-be can’t go wrong channelling ‘Christopher Walken’s moves in Fatboy Slim’s floor-filler “Weapon of Choice” video,’ says the ace one. Some seriously good wedding move inspo is to be found here.
Don’t be a wallflower
Fellas are far too self-conscious when it comes to dancing, says Sir Paul. Rather than staring at your shoes, get out on that dance floor and enjoy yourself. Liquid encouragement works wonders: ‘Have a stiff drink and throw your cares out of the window!’
What if you end up pulling something you shouldn’t?
‘Try peppermint or marjoram oil. They both work wonders on dance-stressed and strained muscles.’
We’re with you, Sir Paul. Forget the staring trolls, gentlemen — it’s time to take pride in your own brilliant dad-dancing disco spectacle.
