Jimmy Choo Shoe and bag designer Country: Great Britain

Biography of Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo, a Chinese-born fashion designer, was born in Penang in 1961. At the age of eleven, he made his first pair of shoes by hand, igniting his passion for footwear design. He later enrolled in Cordwainers' Technical College, now part of the London College of Fashion, and graduated in 1983 with a diploma.

During his time at the college, Jimmy worked as a janitor at a local shoe factory and also held a job at a restaurant to support his education. Despite these challenges, he persevered and in 1986, he established his own shoe manufacturing business in an old building in East London. His exquisite craftsmanship quickly caught the attention of the public and received widespread recognition.

By 1988, Jimmy Choo's shoe collection was featured in a renowned fashion magazine, and influential figures, including Princess Diana, became regular clients. In 1996, Jimmy Choo co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. with British editor Tamara Mellon, which became a leading fashion organization.

In 2001, Jimmy Choo sold half of the company for ten million dollars and focused exclusively on creating high-class clothing under the Jimmy Choo Ready-To-Wear brand, produced under license by Jimmy Choo Ltd. During this time, he also expanded his production to include handbags that were as exquisite as his shoes.

Currently residing in London, Jimmy Choo continues to work on a project to promote shoe craftsmanship in Malaysia, where his name holds great significance and serves as a foundation for many local shoe designers. Today, he is recognized as one of the most luxurious fashion designers, renowned for his exceptional handmade footwear and bags.