Jimmy Choo (designer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jimmy Choo OBE (Chinese : 周仰傑; pinyin: Zhōu Yǎngjié) is a Hakka Chinese designer based in London, England. Jimmy Choo is famous for expensive, hand-made shoes and handbags. Among his many well-known clients are Nicole Richie, Natalie Imbruglia and Katie Holmes, as well as the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Tamara Mellon partnered with Jimmy Choo to start a ready to wear company and sourced factories in Italy to produce the shoes on a larger scale. Consequently, plans were made to open the first Jimmy Choo standalone boutique and to develop the wholesale business throughout the fashion capitals of the world.
In April 2001, Jimmy Choo announced a new partnership with Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd, who acquired Mr Choo’s share of the ready to wear business, Equinox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Bensoussan became CEO of Jimmy Choo.
Jimmy Choo's name is actually Jimmy Chow. The registrar spelled his name incorrectly on his birth certificate, resulting in the now well-known name of Jimmy Choo. He was born in Penang, Malaysia, and studied at Cordwainers' Technical College (now the London College of Fashion). Coming from a family of shoemakers, he created his first shoe at age eleven.
Choo has been given the title of "Datuk" by Malaysia. Datuk or Dato' is an honorary Malaysian title somewhat like a British knighthood, and it lies below the ranks of Dato' Seri, Tan Sri and Tun.
Choo is now a UK citizen. On November 14th 2006, Choo was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, one of London's oldest traditions that dates back to the year 1237.
[edit] References in popular culture
- Jimmy Choo shoes were a favorite of Adriana La Cerva on the HBO series The Sopranos, mentioned in several episodes.
- Sarah Jessica Parker's character in Sex and the City was crazy about Jimmy Choo shoes.
- Was mentioned several times in The Devil Wears Prada, and was also worn by stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.
- Was mentioned in In Her Shoes. Cameron Diaz's character wrecked a pair of Jimmy Choos.
