Jimmy Choo - Shoes To Die For

Fashion may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about British heritage. Yet, a Malaysian-born, London-based shoemaker, Jimmy Choo, has made an indelible mark on the sartorial landscape of Britain and indeed, the world. With his luxurious, meticulously-crafted footwear, Choo has weaved a part of himself into the fabric of Britain's cultural heritage, infusing it with his unique blend of Eastern and Western sensibilities.

A Shoemaker's Legacy

Jimmy Choo was born into a lineage of shoemakers on 15 November 1948, in Penang, Malaysia. A Hakka-Chinese by descent, his family name, Chow, was erroneously recorded as Choo on his birth certificate, and it stuck. Under his father's tutelage, he created his first pair of shoes, a humble pair of slippers, at the tender age of 11, marking the start of his illustrious career in footwear.

Seeking to hone his craft, Choo ventured to London to study at the then Cordwainers Technical College (now a part of the London College of Fashion) between 1982 and 1984. Rather than returning to his home country after his studies, Choo decided to stay in London, launching his own eponymous label in 1986, from a rented old hospital building.

Conquering the World, One Shoe at a Time

Choo's exceptional craftsmanship and design genius quickly garnered the attention of the British fashion elite. In 1988, his creations were showcased at the esteemed London Fashion Week, resulting in an eight-page spread in Vogue magazine. This endorsement catapulted him into the limelight, establishing him as a major player in the luxury shoe market.

His brand further gained prominence when Diana, Princess of Wales, started wearing his shoes in the early 1990s. Her endorsement of his designs significantly boosted his global reputation, effectively making Jimmy Choo a household name in luxury footwear.

In 1996, Choo took a major step in his career when he co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd with Tamara Mellon, the then accessories editor at British Vogue. The company became renowned for its high-end, hand-crafted women's shoes. Choo, however, sold his 50% stake in the company in 2001 for £10 million to focus on the exclusive Jimmy Choo couture line.

A Lasting Impact on British and Global Fashion

Although Choo's brand has expanded beyond footwear to include other accessories such as handbags, shoes remain the heartbeat of his operation. His designs, a perfect marriage of Eastern craftsmanship and Western aesthetics, have become a symbol of luxury and sophistication, cherished by celebrities, royalty, and shoe connoisseurs alike.

Moreover, Choo's impact extends beyond his brand and his designs. His journey from a humble shoemaker's apprentice in Malaysia to a globally recognised fashion icon in Britain is a testament to the multicultural, inclusive nature of British fashion.

Life Beyond the Runway

Despite his success, Choo continues to reside in London and contributes to his home country through his plans to set up a shoemaking institute in Malaysia. He is married to Rebecca Choo (née Choi) from Hong Kong, with whom he shares two children, Emily and Danny. His legacy continues through his family as his son, Danny, and his niece, Sandra Choi, follow in his creative footsteps.

Furthermore, Choo's influence extends into popular culture, with his name being mentioned in songs by renowned artists such as Fetty Wap, Placebo, and French Montana, among others. In 2018, he collaborated with his designer godson Reggie Hung for the exhibition "Genavant - Step to Elegance" at the Cambridge International Art Gallery.

Conclusion

Jimmy Choo's rise from a shoemaker's son in Malaysia to the pinnacle of British luxury fashion speaks volumes about his talent, perseverance, and vision. Through his contributions to the British fashion industry, he has not only shaped the country's heritage but also reshaped the boundaries of the global fashion industry. His work continues to inspire future generations of designers, proving that fashion, indeed, is a universal language transcending geographical and cultural barriers.