Jimmy Choo

Who Is Jimmy Choo?

Jimmy Choo, a renowned fashion designer, utilized the craftsmanship he acquired from his father, a skilled cobbler, to establish himself as a creator of some of the world’s most coveted shoes. He gained prominence for his handmade women’s footwear, which combined exceptional quality with exquisite style. In collaboration with Tamara Yeardley Mellon, Choo expanded his business model, shifting from solely producing shoes himself to contracting Italian factories for manufacturing. This strategic pivot allowed them to open their first boutique in London, solidifying their presence in the high-end footwear market.

By the late 1990s, Choo had successfully launched stores in both Los Angeles and New York City, garnering a loyal following among Hollywood’s elite, including notable figures such as Julia Roberts and Renée Zellweger.

Going Out on His Own

As the new millennium approached, the Choo brand had blossomed into a global phenomenon, with prestigious retailers like Harrods and Saks Fifth Avenue showcasing Choo footwear. The brand also diversified into handbags and other luxury accessories. However, internal conflicts began to surface between Choo and Mellon regarding the company’s direction. Choo, who cherished the craftsmanship and quality of his creations, questioned the notion that expansion equated to success. He longed for the days spent in his Hackney shop, where he crafted a limited number of bespoke shoes for discerning clients.

In 2001, Choo decided to sell his half of the company to Robert Bensoussan of Equinox Luxury Holdings for $30 million. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he stepped away from the brand that bore his name.

Today, Choo has returned to his roots, operating a small boutique in London that serves as the headquarters for the exclusive Jimmy Choo Couture line. Here, he personally crafts a limited number of shoes each week and trains a select group of students in the art of high-end footwear production.

Personal Life

A devout Buddhist, education plays a significant role in Choo’s life. In recent years, he has taken on the role of Ambassador for Footwear Education at the London College of Fashion and serves as a spokesperson for the British Council in its initiatives to engage with international students. He is also a recipient of the O.B.E. (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).

Despite his accolades, Choo has faced criticism. In late 2017, he released a controversial commercial featuring model/actress Cara Delevingne, which sparked accusations of insensitivity from the public. Choo resides in London with his wife, Rebecca, and their two children.

Early Years

Born in 1948 in Penang, Malaysia, Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat was immersed in the world of shoemaking from a young age. His father, a cobbler, encouraged him to follow in his footsteps. By the age of 11, Choo had crafted his first pair of shoes. Reflecting on his early experiences, he recalled, “When I first started, my father wouldn’t let me make a shoe. Instead, he said: ‘Sit and watch, sit and watch.’ For months and months, I did that.”

After mastering the craft under his father’s guidance, Choo moved to England in the early 1980s to study at the Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney, graduating with honors in 1983.

Career Beginnings and Success

Choosing to remain in England, Choo opened his first shop in Hackney in 1986, located in a repurposed hospital building. It wasn’t long before his reputation flourished; within two years, his shoes were featured in an eight-page spread in Vogue magazine.

Choo soon became a favorite among celebrities, notably Princess Diana, who was frequently seen wearing his designs. However, it was his relationship with Vogue that played a crucial role in the rise of the Jimmy Choo brand. Despite his increasing popularity, Choo operated a small-scale business, producing only 20 handmade pairs of shoes each week. Recognizing the potential for broader market appeal, Tamara Yeardley Mellon, an accessories editor at Vogue, approached Choo about collaborating on a ready-to-wear footwear line, which would ultimately transform the trajectory of his career.