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Who is Jimmy Choo?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

“Face it, Andy. You sold your soul the day you put on those Jimmy Choos.” That line from the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” is but one example of how an unassuming shoemaker has found fame and fortune in the couture and mainstream world.

Jimmy Choo is a native of Malaysia and was born in 1961 into a family of shoemakers. He created his first pair of shoes at age 11. Now he is known worldwide for his designer line of elegant women’s shoes and handbags.

Jimmy Choo boutiques are often found in areas with other high-end women's clothing shops.
Jimmy Choo boutiques are often found in areas with other high-end women's clothing shops.

Choo graduated from Cordwainers’ Technical College in London and had a small workshop in that city. He hit the international fashion scene when Vogue magazine featured his designs in an eight-page spread in 1988. His work was immediately popular and was made more so by patronage from Diana, Princess of Wales.

Jimmy Choo shoes have since been mentioned or featured in movies and television shows such as “Sex and the City” and “The Sopranos,” increasing the brand’s cachet. Choo was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 2002 for his contributions to his adopted country of England.

Jimmy Choo is a native of Malaysia and was born in 1961 into a family of shoemakers.
Jimmy Choo is a native of Malaysia and was born in 1961 into a family of shoemakers.

Jimmy Choo shoes are noted for their very high heels and pointed toes. However, he does feature some flats and lower-heeled shoes for those of us who don’t feel comfortable on stilts. Choo co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. with Tamara Mellon, UK Vogue accessories editor, but sold his share in the company in 2001. He now focuses on his couture designs and although he does have a London showroom, it is open by appointment only.

Designer shoes are typically made with the finest leather and fabrics available.
Designer shoes are typically made with the finest leather and fabrics available.

Jimmy Choo boutiques have opened around the world, so his designs are more accessible to those who want a designer shoe, and can afford his prices. Choo also has a Web site where shoppers can view his ready-to-wear designs, and the couture designs, as well. Choo’s ready-to-wear designs generally begin in the neighborhood of $300 US Dollars (USD) and they just go up from there. The value of a soul might not cover the price.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

Is it true that Jimmy Choo never designs shoes, that he just makes them?

I read this in a magazine, in an interview with Tamara Mellon. She claims that she thought of the designs and Jimmy Choo only made the shoes. I don't think it's believable though, because the company was named after him.

stoneMason

@donasmrs-- I hope you get a pair soon. I love Jimmy Choo shoes. I have many pairs -- boots, flats, heels and sandals.

Most people associate Jimmy Choo with heels and in the beginning, the brand was popular for their heels. But now, they have many different varieties and I think their boots and flats are as popular as their heels.

I like their leather boots the most, they're very flattering and comfortable.

donasmrs

I've heard so much about Jimmy Choo shoes, but I've never owned a pair. I do follow Jimmy Choo's designs though and I think they're gorgeous. I hope I will own a pair of these iconic shoes one day.

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    • Jimmy Choo boutiques are often found in areas with other high-end women's clothing shops.
      By: nyul
      Jimmy Choo boutiques are often found in areas with other high-end women's clothing shops.
    • Jimmy Choo is a native of Malaysia and was born in 1961 into a family of shoemakers.
      By: Iryna Volina
      Jimmy Choo is a native of Malaysia and was born in 1961 into a family of shoemakers.
    • Designer shoes are typically made with the finest leather and fabrics available.
      By: Sergiy Serdyuk
      Designer shoes are typically made with the finest leather and fabrics available.
    • Jimmy Choo shoes are known for having high heels and pointed toes.
      By: srki66
      Jimmy Choo shoes are known for having high heels and pointed toes.