[1] He began his career at the couture house of Lanvin in Paris, working with then head designer Antonio Castillo.
[7] Smith was appointed consultant design director at Kangol in 1981, helping to turn around the company's fortunes during the following decade.
[1] Among his most photographed hats of this era was Diana Princess of Wales' military-style design, worn with a Catherine Walker suit, during a visit to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1987.
[8][9] Kangol's profile rose even more with the rise of the sportswear trend and the kangeroo logo (introduced during Smith's tenure), appeared on bucket hats worn by the likes of Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys.
[1] Graham Smith was among the designers featured in a 2009 Victoria and Albert Museum millinery exhibition Hats: An Anthology, curated by Stephen Jones.