TODAY'S school-leavers will be better placed to cope with the economic recession than older people, according to a top fashion designer.

Sir Paul Smith made the comment after a visit to Landau Forte College, in Derby, where he delivered an "inspirational" talk.

Sixth-formers heard how he built his business from a humble start in Beeston, Nottinghamshire, to create a world-famous fashion label.

He told the Derby Telegraph that he was fortunate that the current recession had not affected his business.

He said: "We are in a horrible financial mess but young people such as these at Landau Forte will find it much easier to adjust because it will be all they have known as they go into jobs.

"People aged between 40 and 50 now will be finding it harder to cope because they have only known the good times.

"I have been through three recessions and even managed to survive the three-day week in the 1970s."

Sir Paul said one of his secrets to success was to be as relevant to a 14-year-old as to a 60-year-old.

He said: "Last week we measured up two members of US band Green Day for new suits on the same day that we measured Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England, for a similar order.

"We appeal equally to the rock fraternity and the establishment."

More than 180 pupils at the Fox Street school listened to Sir Paul speak about his career.

The 63-year-old started out by designing menswear. He opened his first shop in Byard Lane, Nottingham, in 1970 and now has shops and showrooms in Paris, Hollywood, New York, Milan, Johannesburg, San Francisco, Bangalore, London and Tokyo.

"Always dare to be different," Sir Paul told the pupils. "Don't be predictable, and think outside the obvious.

"In my shops you will find many things other than clothes and no two shops or showrooms are the same.

"Have a dream, but realise that it won't be achieved in a day and that it will take time and patience."

Sir Paul said he enjoyed talking to the pupils.

"I don't give that many talks but I get requests," he said.

"It's delightful to speak to people who are about to go out into the world to start their careers."

Pupil Beth Howard, 17, is interested in interior design. She said: "Sir Paul was amazing and his ideas so good."

Fellow pupil Rebecca Turton, also 17, said: "I am interested in textile design and I am amazed by his unique take on things."

Teacher Liz O'Mara, who organised the event, said: "Sir Paul has been a real inspiration and has motivated our pupils."