Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo Ltd

When you buy a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes at a store like Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus, they may be gorgeous and they may bear the "Jimmy Choo" label, but the ready-to-wear shoes are not designed by Jimmy Choo. The famous designer sold his share of Jimmy Choo Ltd in 2001.

Jimmy Choo Couture

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.

The Kind of Shoes You Marry In

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.

Shoes Fit for a Princess

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.

With a Little Luck

Jimmy Choo's first shoe label was called "Lucky Shoes," and it would indeed seem that his career has taken some fortuitous turns. But it's his artistic talent and drive that has made him into the success he is today -- he also won't stop until the shoes are just right.

For example, in preparation for a Katharine Hamnett fashion show, Jimmy Choo once worked non-stop three days and nights, sewing beads on shoes.

Additional Resources

• Jimmy Choo Shoes - Compare Prices
• Jimmy Choo Couture - Directory Listing
• Jimmy Choo Ltd - Official Site

Sources

• How Jimmy Choo "Lost" His Name - by Kee Hua Chee, CloveTwo.com, January 14, 2007
• Madonna Weds in Style - by Cynthia Nellis, Fashion.About.com
• Shoe Business - by Emily Bearn, TheAge.com.au, July 20, 2003
• Who is Jimmy Choo? - by Phoebe Eaton, The New York Times, December 1, 2002