Hopping mad

If fashion designer Paul Smith had his way, London would be full of rabbit-shaped trash cans with ears that light up when you toss in garbage. Smith is one of the 15 designers who have been commissioned to “give something back” to London, the city where they made their name. It’s all part of the “Super Contemporary” show at London’s Design Museum (through October 4), sponsored by Beefeater 24 Gin, produced by Pernod-Ricard SA, the world’s second-largest spirits company.

The Paul Smith prototype is a 5-foot (1.52-metre) green rabbit standing on its hind legs and clutching a large trash bag. Every time someone throws litter in, the bunny’s tall, perky ears beam on.

“None of us like rubbish and trash around our cities,” says Smith, 62, in an interview on the Design Museum’s riverside terrace. “It’s not about the litter bin, not about the rabbit: It’s just about being a person who considers others.”

To Smith, keeping refuse off sidewalks and public places is akin to “going to the bathroom and leaving it in a way you would like to find it” — it’s “a statement about caring, caring for your city.” Smith, whose layered gray hair flicks in the wind, is dressed entirely in his own brand: a blue jacket with paisley lining, and turquoise-green loafers worn over green socks.

The rabbit idea came naturally. Decades ago, Smith mentioned that rabbits brought him luck. Every week, he receives between six and 20 toy bunnies mailed to him by fans. The Design Museum prototype was made with help from a model creator, and as of last week, prototypes are being put to use for a four-month trial period in London’s Covent Garden and Holland Park areas. Even amid the global economic meltdown, Smith says sales of his products haven’t slipped. “Business is still good, and we’re still ahead of last year,” he says. Designer frames, watches and scents have now been added to the range.

“My strength has been saying no to things over the past 20 years,” he says, as a barge glides past on the Thames River beneath. “If I’d have said yes to things, there would be Paul Smith cars and mobile phones and hotels.” The rabbit is not the harbinger of deeper involvement in industrial, furniture or architectural design, he says, though he recently designed a space for the Milan furniture fair, and has also created furniture for Cappellini.”I will probably add more things as it goes along, but only if it feels right,” he says. The green loafers Smith wears seem colour-coordinated with the trash cans. “They’re a matching rubbish bin, rabbit and shoe set!” he quips. “Hopefully they don’t look too silly.”