Jimmy Choo Designer Footwear for Fall 2008
From Peep-toe Shoes to Riding Boots and Biker Boots to Patent Pumps
Jimmy Choo shoes have long been the stuff that dreams are made of. Along with iconic shoe designers, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, the label is one of the most sought after and recognizable footwear brands in the world. These red carpet shoes have found their way onto such famous feet as Victoria Beckham, Emily Blunt, Jennifer Garner, Scarlett Johansson, Katherine Heigl, and singers Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue. According to Stephanie Pendersen in her book, Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know, (David & Charles 2005), no less than 45 pairs of Jimmy Choos were counted on the red carpet at the 2003 Oscars.
The Fall 2008 Collection
Net-A-Porter’s online magazine of 30 July 2008 is touting the Glint suede peep-toe shoe-boot (£550), as one of Choo's hottest shoes of the season, and other fashion media are likley to follow suit. With its metallic stud trim, the Glint, a ladylike bootie ,can be worn for both day and evening, and will glamor-up a pair of jeans. Choo's similarly styled Tier black leather shoe-boot with eyelet detailing is a more traditional option.
In contrast to this year's sky-high stiletto sandals, boots have gone low-rise; with flat heels. Find them on Jimmy Choo’s Biker Flat Boot (£595), or the Joyce Patent Riding Boot (£635), two footwear trends for the season. See them all at Net-A-Porter.com.
Patent for Fall 2008
There remains a passion for patent this fall, with ballet flats, Mary Janes, riding boots and knee-highs shining their way into winter. Choose from the Watson patent ballet flat or Morse patent pump with buckle (£250). Match them with a Jimmy Choo patent studded clutch, an oversized tote, or the butterfly embellished Char patent purse. Look out for the Kindle Mary Jane, as featured on The Shoe Goddess. These classic shiny red patents are a real investment. at $615 from Saks.
The History of Jimmy Choo Shoes
This Malaysian fashion designer was born to a family of shoemakers in Penang in 1961. According to Pendersen, inspired by his family’s profession Jimmy Choo created his first shoe when he was 11 years old. After graduating from Cordwainers college, (at what is now part of the London College of Fashion) in 1986, Choo set up a workshop in Hackney, in London's East End and then opened a small boutique in upmarket Mayfair. In 1988 British Vogue featured a record breaking 8 pages of his designs, and from 1990 until her death, Choo was under the patronage of Diana Princess of Wales.
In 1996, he joined forces with Tamara Mellon, Vogue’s accessories director, (who recognized Choo’s potential and a niche in the luxury accessories market), and co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. Together they sourced shoe factories in Italy to produce footwear on a bigger scale.
As the success of his designs escalated, according to the official website, Choo then sold his half-stake in the ready-to-wear side of the company in 2001 to Equinox Luxury Holdings, in order to concentrate on his more exclusive line of Jimmy Choo Couture footwear, made under license from Jimmy Choo Ltd. His ready to wear label continues to grow under the guidance of Tamara Mellon and now incorporates other accessories like handbags and sunglasses. The RTW label continues to go from strength to strength, having celebrated more than 11 years of high fashion footwear, sold in around 60 branded stores worldwide.
Jimmy Choo’s Awards
Jimmy Choo has become an icon in the country of his birth. Although living in London, he is actively involved in setting up a shoemaking institute in Malaysia, where he has proved inspirational to Asian shoemakers and fashion designers. In the year 2000 he received an award from the Sultan of Penang state in recognition of his achievements, and in 2002 was given an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II of England, for his contribution to the UK footwear and fashion industry. In 2004 Malaysia granted him further recognition, when he was awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri, in his home state of Penang.
Today, Jimmy Choo shoes are still as sought after as in their heyday of the initial launch in the '90s. In her book Shoes, Pendesen gives us an insight into the designer's love of his craft by quoting him as saying, "For a woman, the right shoe can make everything different. It can make you walk better, feel better." One thing is certain, a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes are not just fashion footwear, they are works of art!
