Jimmy Choo - A Woman's Right to Shoes

Who said only diamonds was a girl's best friend? Whoever coined that line was dead wrong. How particular are we when picking out a pair of shoes? I'd say about 60 percent of women out there try on at least five pairs before walking out with that one perfect pair. India today is an upcoming trend setter in the world of iconic fashion. The ultimate shoe guru fashion designer Jimmy Choo opened up India's first outlet of Jimmy Choo's in Mumbai. Those with a shoe fetish can go gaga over this year's collection and grab a pair of to-die-for shoes and other accessories at Mumbai's outlet. The prices are a little over the top, but if you're ready to make an outrageous statement then this is right up your alley.

Humble Beginnings:
Jimmy Choo was born in Penang, Malaysia in the year 1961 into a family of shoemakers. At the tender age of 11, he made his first shoe; thereby beginning the makings of a world renowned designer. From working part-time in restaurants to cleaning in shoe factories, Choo's savings amounted to enough to get him into the Cordwainers' Technical College in Hackney, London. On passing out in 1983, he opened up his own workshop and there on began successfully with his craftsmanship and designs, gaining recognition and international exposure after being featured in the Vogue issue in 1988. The late Princess Diana who was a Choo shoes devotee, made him rise to further fame in 1990. Choo has made a mark on the fashion designing industry and in time was accepted as an iconic image of a classic and refined fashion designer in shoes and later in accessories.

Collaborations:
Tamara Mellon, former UK Vogue accessories editor, was looking out for out-of-the-ordinary designs that were both chic and attention grabbing. That's when she approached Jimmy Choo and bought 50% of his company. She handles all operations till date with his niece Sandra Choi who is appointed Creative Director of Jimmy Choo Ltd. Tamara Mellon was born into a family of a mother who was a formal Chanel model and a father who was a respected entrepreneur. Being a chip off both blocks, Tamara walked head long into creating an impact on the fashion industry by introducing Choo into the market scene. Beginning from a factory set up in Italy, it has now spread its tentacles far and wide to outlets in Moscow, Hong Kong, Dallas, Boston, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas and now Mumbai. Jimmy Choo has made partnerships over the years, boosting its brand; making its presence even more felt. Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd. In April 2001 gave Choo the exceptional introduction of handbags and leather goods collections adding more to its name. In November 2004, a big step up in acquisition authority was made with Hicks Muse, when the company was valued at a whooping 101 million pounds.

"It doesn't matter what you are wearing - if you have good shoes and a good bag, you'll look right" - Tamara Mellon, President and Founder - Jimmy Choo.

With over 60 stores worldwide, Jimmy Choo is the top-notch choice for celebrities and the crème de la crème of society. Elite clientele include - Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and First Lady Michelle Obama (who wore the white satin 'Dale' sandal to the presidential Inauguration Ball); mostly who of which are Hollywood starlets. Movies, music artists and sit coms have made constant references to Jimmy Choo's, like Sex and the City, High School Musical 3, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Gilmore Girls...

Awards:
2000: Bestowed a state award carrying the title of Dato (British knighthood) by the Sultan of Penang state in Malaysia for his achievements.

2002: Conferred an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to the shoe and fashion industry in the UK.

2004: Awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of his home state of Penang, which also carries the title Dato.

Awarded - fellowship by the University of the Arts in London conferring to the use of the title- Professor.

Quick Factuality:
*Today if you want shoes that actually have anything to do with Jimmy Choo himself, you'll have to purchase them from Jimmy Choo Couture; available by appointment only at 18 Connaught Street in Paddington - London, England. (designs are mostly done by Sandra Choi worldwide)

*Madonna may have referred to Manolo Blahnik shoes as being "better than sex," but it was a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes that she wore on her wedding day.

*One of Choo's most famous clients was Princess Diana, whom he designed many pairs for over the years; so many in fact, he can't recall the actual number. He was scheduled to deliver a pair of just-completed gold pumps to her the day after she was killed. He kept those shoes in memory of his friend.

Future Prospects:
Currently, Jimmy Choo is working on a project in Malaysia where he is highly acclaimed for his innovative creations in design and technique. Sandra Choi, Creative Director of Jimmy Choo Ltd. doesn't miss out on a chance to come up with new and improved ways of designing shoes and accessories; traveling to remote and creatively stimulating places where items of interest and rare value would spark inspiration for Choo merchandise. With its seeds being planted far and wide, it has gained worldwide acceptance as the ultimate trend setter for any occasion.

It's versatility to blend with any season or time of day is well put together to form a one-of-a-kind merging of fashion and culture-inspired works of art. India's about to sink it's teeth into what Jimmy Choo's got to offer and we are yet to see more stores open up and make its mark in the country. Ex Gucci designer Tom Ford is said to be teamed up with Jimmy Choo to come up with a fragrance that will include 12 different scents that allows customers to mix and match them, thus creating their own unique scent. The fragrance is targeted at the female audience and is sure to cause an uproar in the market. The scents are said to include vanilla tobacco and Tuscan leather and is packaged in apothecary styled bottles. The fitting title for the new perfume is called 'Private Blend' and is showcased at UK's designer store Harvey Nichols.

"The new partnership will not only give us the ability to meet the demand for a fragrance, but also achieve my original vision for Jimmy Choo to be one of the most treasured luxury brands" - Tamara Mellon, founder and president of Jimmy Choo.

Happy strutting