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Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat (born 15 November 1948[1]) is a Malaysian fashion designer based in the United Kingdom. He co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd, which became known for its handmade women's shoes.[2]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Choo was born in 1948 in the Crown Colony of Penang (now part of Malaysia) into a family of shoemakers of Hakka Chinese descent. Choo's father, a shoemaker who made all of his shoes by hand, taught him the craft. "My parents were shoemakers and I have followed my father's lead. He inspired me," said Jimmy Choo.[3] He made his first pair of shoes when he was 11 years old—a pair of slippers.[4][5][6]

Between 1982 and 1984, Choo studied at Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney (now part of the London College of Fashion) in London.[7] He went to a design firm to work after graduation, wishing to remain in London permanently instead of returning to Malaysia.[5]

Career

[edit]

After college, Choo worked at two design companies for a total of nine years before starting his own business. He quickly started his own business. Choo initially started with the help of the Prince's Trust. Choo's parents emigrated to Britain to help him get started, and he eventually expanded the business by opening his first shop in 1986, renting space in the old Metropolitan Hospital, Kingsland Road, N1. His craftsmanship and designs were soon noticed at London Fashion Week in 1988. After seeing his creations, Vogue featured his shoes in an eight page spread. Choo has said that his designs became significantly more popular after the Vogue coverage.[5] Patronage from Princess Diana in the early 1990s further bolstered his image.[5]

In 1996, Choo co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. with British Vogue magazine accessories editor Tamara Mellon.[8] In April 2001, Choo sold his 50% stake in the company for £10 million.[8] He has since concentrated his work on the exclusive Jimmy Choo couture line produced under license from Jimmy Choo Ltd.[9] The Jimmy Choo London line, also known as Jimmy Choo Ready-To-Wear or, simply, Jimmy Choo, is under the purview of Tamara Mellon. The ready-to-wear line has expanded to include accessories such as handbags.

In 2009, Choo said that his brand was a favourite of Diana, Princess of Wales.[10]

In 2023, Greek rap avant-garde artist Roi 6/12 released his album "Strip club" with the single "Jimmy Choo" which mentions the designer. The lyrics recite how wearing shoes designed by Jimmy Choo assists in the achievement of an extramarital affair between a male and a female.[11]

Awards and honours

[edit]
  • 2002: Appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to the shoe and fashion industry in the UK
  • 2004: Awarded an honorary doctorate in art by De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, for his contribution to their unique Single Honours Footwear Design degree
  • 2009: Awarded an Honorary Fellowship by University of the Arts London[12]
  • 2011: Winner of "The World's Outstanding Malaysian Designer 2011" Design for Asia Award for the "Daniel" part
  • 2011: Winner of the "Outstanding Chinese Designer Award" for his accomplishments in the footwear industry.[6]
  • 2012: Received You Bring Charm to the World – the Most Influential Malaysian Award
  • 2013: Became a member of the Red Dot product design jury.[13]

Honours of Malaysia

[edit]

International honours

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jimmy Choo

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Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat (born 15 November 1948) is a Malaysian-born fashion designer and shoemaker renowned for co-founding the luxury footwear and accessories brand Jimmy Choo in 1996.[1] Born in Penang, Malaysia, to a family of traditional shoemakers, Choo began crafting shoes at the age of 11 under his father's guidance and later honed his skills by apprenticing in the family trade during the 1970s.[1] In the early 1980s, he relocated to London, where he studied at Cordwainers Technical College and graduated with honors in 1983, establishing himself as a bespoke shoemaker catering to high-profile clients.[1] Choo opened his first custom shoe workshop in London's Hackney neighborhood in 1986, gaining early recognition when his designs were featured in Vogue magazine in 1988, which helped attract an elite clientele including celebrities and royalty.[1] The Jimmy Choo brand was launched as a ready-to-wear line in 1996 through a partnership with Tamara Mellon, then accessories editor at British Vogue, transforming Choo's atelier into a global luxury house initially focused on handcrafted women's shoes produced in Italy.[2] By the late 1990s, the brand had expanded to boutiques in London, Los Angeles, and New York, becoming a staple for red-carpet events and popular culture, with its elegant, high-heeled designs worn by figures such as Princess Diana.[1] In 2001, Choo sold his 50% stake in the company to Equinox Luxury Holdings and Robert Bensoussan for approximately $30 million,[3] allowing him to return to his roots with a separate couture line of exclusive, handmade shoes under his name, while the main brand continued to grow.[1] Under creative director Sandra Choi—Choo's niece, who joined in the late 1990s—the brand diversified into handbags, jewelry, eyewear, fragrances, and men's accessories, establishing over 200 boutiques worldwide and distribution through prestigious retailers.[2] In 2017, Jimmy Choo was acquired by Michael Kors Holdings (now Capri Holdings Limited) for £896 million, solidifying its position as a key pillar in the luxury conglomerate alongside brands like Michael Kors and Versace.[4] Choo was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 for his contributions to the British fashion industry and maintains a low-profile life in London with his wife Rebecca and their two children.[1]

Early life and education

Family background and childhood

Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat was born on November 15, 1948, in Penang, Malaysia, into a family of Chinese descent whose traditional trade was shoemaking.[5][1] His family's surname was originally Chow (or Chew in some romanizations), but it was misspelled as Choo on his birth certificate, a clerical error that would later define his professional identity.[6][7] Choo's father was a traditional cobbler who operated a small shop in Penang, where he crafted shoes by hand, instilling in his son an early immersion in the craft from around age seven.[5][1] The elder Choo expected his son to carry on the family trade, emphasizing patient observation before hands-on involvement, which shaped young Jimmy's disciplined approach to the artistry of shoemaking.[1] In the resource-scarce environment of 1950s Penang, Choo's daily routine after school involved assisting in his father's workshop, watching craftsmen assemble handmade footwear and gradually learning the intricacies of the process without the distractions of modern technology.[8] By age 11, under his father's guidance, he crafted his first pair of shoes—simple leather slippers for his mother—using basic materials available in the family shop.[5][1] This hands-on apprenticeship in Penang's vibrant yet modest Chinese community fostered Choo's foundational skills and passion for design.[9]

Formal education and move to the UK

Choo completed his primary education at Shih Chung Primary School in Love Lane, George Town, Penang, attending through Year Six.[10] By age 13, he had advanced his shoemaking skills through dedicated self-study and hands-on practice alongside his father, enabling him to craft intricate designs independently.[11] Prior to relocating, Choo undertook an apprenticeship with local craftsmen in Penang, including at the Hong Kong Shoe Store on Muntri Street, where he trained under master shoemaker Wong Sam Chai starting at age 15; this period allowed him to refine his techniques while saving funds for his move abroad.[12][13] In the early 1980s, Choo immigrated to London to access advanced training opportunities unavailable in Malaysia.[9] He enrolled at Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney (now integrated into the London College of Fashion), completing a three-year program in footwear design and production, from which he graduated in 1983 despite persistent financial pressures.[5][14] As a recent immigrant with limited resources, Choo encountered substantial challenges, including acute financial hardship that required him to balance studies with part-time work at restaurants and as a cleaner in a shoe factory to cover living and tuition costs.[12][15]

Professional career

Early career and bespoke shoemaking

In the mid-1980s, Jimmy Choo established his bespoke shoemaking atelier in a converted hospital building in Hackney, East London, where he launched his personal couture label specializing in handmade women's shoes. Drawing on the technical expertise gained from his formal education at Cordwainers Technical College, Choo produced around 20 pairs per week, emphasizing exceptional craftsmanship that quickly earned a reputation among London's fashion elite for superior quality and sophisticated design. By 1988, this artisanal work had garnered significant attention, highlighted by an eight-page feature in Vogue magazine that showcased his innovative styles and meticulous attention to detail.[1][16][17] Choo's breakthrough came in 1990 when he began crafting custom shoes for Princess Diana, his first major high-profile client, ultimately creating multiple pairs tailored to her wardrobe, including iconic nude stilettos that she wore to prominent public events. These designs, often featuring delicate slingback silhouettes and low heels for comfort, complemented Diana's outfits and received widespread media exposure, further elevating Choo's profile through additional Vogue coverage that year. The princess's patronage not only validated his bespoke approach but also introduced his work to international royalty and discerning clients seeking personalized luxury footwear.[18][19][20] Throughout the 1990s, Choo expanded his clientele to include other members of royalty and emerging actors, incorporating techniques such as intricate beading and precise custom fits inspired by traditional Malaysian shoemaking methods learned from his family. He employed close relatives in the operations, including his wife, Rebecca Choi, and niece, Sandra Choi, who joined in 1989 to assist with design and production, fostering a family-run atelier that maintained an intimate scale. Despite growing demand, Choo faced challenges in sourcing premium materials like fine leathers and beads while scaling output without compromising the handmade quality that defined his niche. This period solidified his standing in fashion circles, leading to invitations to create pieces for red carpet appearances and high-society events, where his shoes became synonymous with elegant, one-of-a-kind glamour.[9][21][22]

Founding Jimmy Choo Ltd

In 1996, Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat partnered with Tamara Mellon, the daughter of British entrepreneur Thomas Yeardye and former Vogue accessories editor Anne Yeardye, to establish Jimmy Choo Ltd as a ready-to-wear luxury footwear brand.[23] Choo contributed his renowned design expertise, drawing from his bespoke shoemaking background, while Mellon managed business development and marketing, securing an initial £150,000 loan from her father to fund the venture.[23] The company's debut collection emphasized high-end women's heels, including elegant pumps and sandals crafted with Italian manufacturing partners to enable scalable production beyond custom orders.[24] The brand launched its first boutique on Motcomb Street in London's Belgravia district in late 1996, where it sold thousands of pairs in the first few days, signaling strong initial demand among affluent clients.[23] Building on Choo's earlier bespoke clientele, which included high-profile figures like Princess Diana, the ready-to-wear line quickly attracted celebrity attention; its designs appeared on red carpets and were prominently featured in the HBO series Sex and the City starting in 1998, elevating the brand's global visibility.[25] Choo's signature crystal-embellished pumps, known for their glamorous detailing and comfort, became emblematic of the label's aesthetic, blending craftsmanship with aspirational luxury.[26] Rapid expansion followed, with the opening of two U.S. boutiques in New York City in 1998, marking the brand's entry into the American market.[27] By 2001, Jimmy Choo Ltd had achieved significant growth, supported by wholesale distribution and further store openings.[23] However, tensions arose over the company's shift toward broader commercialization; Choo, preferring the artisanal focus of his bespoke atelier, sold his 50% stake to Equinox Luxury Holdings for $30 million that year, exiting active involvement while Mellon continued to steer the brand's international trajectory.[23]

Later career and other ventures

Following his departure from Jimmy Choo Ltd in 2001, when he sold his 50% stake to Equinox Luxury Holdings for approximately $30 million, Jimmy Choo returned to his roots in bespoke shoemaking.[28] He resumed crafting custom footwear exclusively for private clients, operating under his Chinese birth name, Zhou Yang Jie, to emphasize his personal artistry free from commercial branding.[29] This shift allowed him to focus on high-end, handcrafted pieces for an elite clientele, including couture designs priced between $3,000 and $5,000 per pair.[8] As of 2025, he continues to create bespoke pieces, such as custom designs for international events and private commissions in his London atelier.[30] In 2018, Choo launched Gènavant, a luxury jeweled footwear line in collaboration with his godson and jewelry designer Reggie Hung, specifically targeting affluent consumers in the Chinese market.[31] The brand debuted with an exhibition of diamond-encrusted shoes during London Fashion Week, blending Choo's shoemaking expertise with Hung's gemstone designs inspired by cultural motifs.[32] A highlight was the presentation at the inaugural China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where a pair of pink diamond-studded high heels, inlaid with over 10,000 pink diamonds and taking two years to craft, sold for $4.3 million—the world's most expensive shoes at the time.[33][34] Choo has since embraced mentorship roles in fashion education, serving as a professor and founder of the Jimmy Choo Academy (JCA) in London's Mayfair district, established in 2022 to nurture emerging designers through hands-on programs.[16] He delivers guest lectures and workshops at institutions like Haberdashers' Monmouth School and the London College of Fashion, where he acts as Ambassador for Footwear Education, sharing insights on craftsmanship and innovation.[35][36] His involvement extends to bespoke mentorships, such as guiding graduates through international fashion events and providing access to global networks.[37] In recent years, Choo has remained active in public forums, participating in London Fashion Week 2025, where he discussed how Chinese values of politeness, generosity, and integrity continue to influence his design philosophy.[38] His 75th birthday celebration in November 2023 underscored his enduring legacy, with tributes highlighting his contributions to global footwear design.[39] As of 2025, Choo continues handcrafting bespoke couture pieces in his London atelier, prioritizing artistic expression over mass production and maintaining a selective practice for personal commissions.[30][40]

Awards and honors

Honors from Malaysia

In recognition of his contributions to the fashion industry and elevating Malaysia's global profile, Jimmy Choo received the title of Dato' in 2000 from the Sultan of Pahang.[41] This honor, equivalent to a knighthood, acknowledged his success in bespoke shoemaking and the international acclaim of the Jimmy Choo brand.[41] Four years later, in 2004, Choo was awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri by the Governor of Penang, his home state, which also conferred the title of Dato'.[11] This state-level recognition highlighted his roots in Penang, where he began his career as an apprentice shoemaker, and underscored the pride in his achievements as a Malaysian-born designer.[11] Choo's stature as a national icon was further affirmed in 2013 when he received the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN) from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia, granting him the title of Datuk.[11] The award celebrated his role in promoting Malaysian creativity worldwide through luxury fashion. In 2015, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Enchanting Elegance Fashion Show for his contributions to Malaysian fashion.[11] His legacy is preserved in cultural institutions, such as the TeddyVille Museum in Penang, which features a life-sized teddy bear tribute to him alongside other prominent Malaysians, symbolizing his enduring impact on the nation's identity.[42] These honors reflect Malaysia's appreciation for Choo's journey from a modest workshop in Penang to a global fashion luminary, inspiring youth in design and craftsmanship.[43]

International awards and honors

In 2003, Jimmy Choo was appointed an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to the shoe industry and his contributions to establishing London as a global fashion design center.[44] In 2006, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London, becoming only the third Malaysian recipient.[43] Choo received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of the Arts London, which encompasses the London College of Fashion, in 2009, honoring his alumni status and lifelong impact on footwear design and education.[41] His international accolades also include the Design for Asia Award for The World's Outstanding Malaysian Designer in 2011 and the World's Outstanding Chinese Designer Award in 2011 from the Hong Kong Design Centre, celebrating his global influence in luxury footwear.[45] In 2014, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Fashion Organisation at Paris Fashion Week, acknowledging his pioneering role in couture shoemaking.[46] Additionally, in 2022, Drapers magazine bestowed upon him its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring legacy in the British fashion sector during a ceremony at Grosvenor House in London.[47] Around his 75th birthday in November 2023, Choo garnered widespread international media tributes, including a feature in Luxus Magazine that highlighted his transformative influence on luxury footwear design worldwide.[48]

Personal life and philanthropy

Family

Jimmy Choo married Rebecca Choi, a Hong Kong native whom he met while studying at Cordwainers Technical College in London during the early 1980s.[5] The couple has two children: a daughter, Emily Choo, who works alongside her father in the fashion industry, and a son, Danny Choo, whom Choo taught shoemaking skills as a child and who later relocated to Japan to found Mirai Inc., a company promoting Japanese culture.[20][47] During Choo's move to the United Kingdom, his parents provided essential relocation support by temporarily relocating to London themselves to help him establish his first shoemaking business, Lucky Shoes, in 1986.[5] Extended family members also contributed to his early endeavors, with Choo's niece by marriage, Sandra Choi, joining the workshop in 1989 to assist with operations and design.[49] The family resides in London, where Choo has prioritized maintaining a private personal life despite his international prominence in fashion.[50]

Philanthropic activities

Choo has long supported The Prince's Trust, the organization that provided him with early financial and mentoring assistance to launch his career, by aiding young entrepreneurs in the fashion industry through donations and inspirational speeches at events.[51] In addition to financial contributions, Choo mentors emerging designers via university lectures and hands-on workshops, emphasizing skill-building and business acumen to nurture the next generation of talent. Through his Jimmy Choo Academy (JCA) in London, he offers structured programs including industry mentorships and sustainable design workshops, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial mindsets among students from diverse backgrounds.[52][16][53] Choo promotes inclusive workplaces within his design ateliers, committing to diversity and equal opportunities to create supportive environments for artisans and staff worldwide.[54] In 2018, Choo collaborated with his son Danny on a fundraising initiative for Operation Santa Claus in Hong Kong, partnering with the Kowloon Shangri-La hotel to create custom shoe designs and promote a campaign that raised funds for underprivileged children during the holiday season.[55] Since 2011, Choo has served as an ambassador for the World Scout Foundation, elected by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, where he advocates for youth development programs that build leadership, global citizenship, and community service skills. His involvement extends to Malaysian education charities, including support for Teach For Malaysia, which places educators in under-resourced schools to improve access to quality learning for disadvantaged youth.[56][43][57] Choo emphasizes giving back to shoemaking communities by funding scholarships for students at Cordwainers College, part of the London College of Fashion; notable awards include the Dato' Jimmy Choo BA Awards (£1,000 each to two final-year students) and the MA Awards (£2,000 to the top recipient plus £1,000 runner-up), supporting aspiring footwear and accessories designers in their studies and final projects.[58][59]

References

  1. Jimmy Choo - Shoes, Career & Facts - Biography
  2. About Us - Jimmy Choo
  3. Michael Kors Holdings Limited Completes Acquisition of Jimmy ...
  4. Jimmy Choo | Biography, Heels, Shoes, & Facts | Britannica
  5. https://theluxurycloset.com/blog/2017/09/04/history-jimmy-choo/
  6. Jimmy Choo, M'sian shoe designer's entrepreneurial history
  7. Jimmy Choo: how a boy from Penang, Malaysia, became the ...
  8. Jimmy Choo Biography - Newsmakers Cumulation
  9. https://pulsd.com/new-york/institutions/jimmy-choo--3
  10. Jimmy Choo: 8 Facts About The World-renowned Shoe Designer ...
  11. The humble beginnings of Jimmy Choo – shoe designer
  12. Hong Kong Shoe Store - Metro Bike
  13. Jimmy Choo - Fashion Designer | Designers | The FMD
  14. 6 Lessons To Learn From Shoe Designer Jimmy Choo - Vulcan Post
  15. Inside Jimmy Choo's JCA London Fashion Academy - Prestige Online
  16. https://www.italist.com/magazine/who-is-jimmy-choo/
  17. Choo, Jimmy | Encyclopedia.com
  18. The Story Behind Princess Diana's Favourite Jimmy Choos ... - Vogue
  19. Jimmy Choo: 'Princess Diana wasn't like other royals
  20. Choo, Jimmy - Vintage Fashion Guild
  21. How Diana's shoes traced the ups and downs of her marriage
  22. Luxury Lineage: A Brief History of Jimmy Choo - Forbes
  23. Jimmy Choo Celebrates Three Decades of Luxury with Archive ...
  24. 'I lost my Choo!': The pop-culture impact of shoemaker Jimmy Choo
  25. The History of Jimmy Choo: A Look Back at All the Heels and Deals
  26. Jimmy Choo jobs - Fashion United
  27. Giants - Jimmy Choo | Profit
  28. WedLuxe Luminary Spotlight: Professor Jimmy Choo
  29. About - Gènavant
  30. Choo's jeweled shoes making dazzling London debut - China Daily
  31. Jimmy Choo's Gènavant Sells $4.3 Million Diamond-Encrusted High ...
  32. Diamond pumps go on sale at CIIE for $4.3mln - CGTN
  33. Professor Jimmy Choo The Patron of Fashion, Design, and Textiles ...
  34. PROF. JIMMY CHOO, OBE - TheAtelier - The Atelier Couture
  35. Fashion graduate gets foot in the door with Professor Jimmy Choo ...
  36. Jimmy Choo cites Chinese values during London Fashion Week
  37. Jimmy Choo: the shoe myth | Luxus Magazine
  38. Shoemaker to the stars Jimmy Choo talks tech, Princess Diana and ...
  39. Jimmy Choo's Family Values - Prestige Hong Kong
  40. Honorary Fellow Dato' Jimmy Choo OBE | London College of Fashion
  41. Unique Museums In Malaysia: 9 Places That Offer More Than Artefacts
  42. [PDF] Jimmy Choo, A Malaysian Icon - Ireka Group
  43. UK: Shoe Designer Jimmy Choo Awarded An OBE - Just Style
  44. Jimmy Choo Honoured - Outstanding Chinese Designer Award 2011
  45. Datuk Jimmy Choo - Tatler Asia
  46. Life of a legend: Professor Jimmy Choo - Drapers
  47. [Luxus Magazine] Jimmy Choo: the shoe myth
  48. Jimmy Choo - Presidio Penthouse
  49. Jimmy Choo: Age, Net Worth, Relationships, and Career Highlights
  50. Jimmy Choo inspires youth in Diana's name - Yorkshire Post
  51. Jimmy Choo mentors up-and-coming fashion designers - JoySauce
  52. Jimmy Choo: Icon, Patron, Mentor - The Bristol Magazine Online
  53. Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equality | JIMMY CHOO
  54. Designer Jimmy Choo and son Danny team up with Kowloon ...
  55. Speaker: Prof. Jimmy Choo OBE - AGOA Expo - African Clothing
  56. Jimmy Choo / Journal - ATLANTIC Congress Hotel Essen
  57. Cordwainers Dato' Jimmy Choo BA Awards | UAL
  58. Cordwainers Dato' Jimmy Choo MA Awards | UAL
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