Jimmy Choo Biography

Vita

• 1959

  At the age of 11, he makes his first pair of shoes, leather slippers for his mother.

• 1982

  Enrols at Cordwainers Technical College in London to receive formal training in shoemaking.

• 1983

  Graduates with distinction from Cordwainers Technical College.

• 1984

  After working for two design companies, Jimmy Choo sells his first creation under the “Lucky Shoes” label.

• 1986

  Choo renames his company Jimmy Choo and opens his first boutique in an old hospital building in Hackney, London. Initially, he caters to private customers and focuses on bespoke shoes. His craftsmanship attracts the attention of the fashion world.

• 1988

  Choo debuts his collection at London Fashion Week and receives significant recognition. An eight-page spread in Vogue magazine further raises his profile, showcasing his vibrant and colorful designs.

• 1989

  Jimmy's niece, Sandra Choi, joins his company.
  
  Early 1990s.
  
  Choi's designs attract high-profile clients, including Princess Diana, who becomes one of his most prominent patrons. Their friendship leads to several bespoke pairs for her, furthering Choo's reputation as a designer of choice for royalty and celebrities.

• 1996

  In collaboration with Tamara Mellon, the accessories editor of Vogue, Choo establishes the ready-to-wear fashion house Jimmy Choo Ltd, specialising in shoes, handbags, accessories and fragrances.
  
  Lady Diana wears Jimmy Choo's to a fundraising gala dinner at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

• 1998

  Jimmy Choo Ltd. opens its first boutique on Motcomb Street in London, selling over 3,000 pairs of shoes in the first week.
  
  The brand also opens its first stores in the United States and quickly becomes a household name.
  
  The appearance of Jimmy Choo shoes in popular culture - most notably when the character of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City wears Jimmy Choo shoes - further cements its status in the luxury market.

• 1999

  Appointed Knight Companion of the Order of the Crown of Pahang

• 2001

  Amid disagreements over the direction of the company, Choo sells his 50% stake in Jimmy Choo Ltd. for £10 million. He expresses concerns about maintaining quality as the brand expands production.

• 2002

  Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the footwear and fashion industries.

• 2004

  Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts by De Montfort University for services to footwear design.
  
  Appointed Officer of the Order of the Defender of the State of Penang.

• 2006

  Choo launches a couture line of shoes, emphasizing bespoke craftsmanship and luxurious materials. This venture allows him to reconnect with his roots as a shoemaker.

• 2009

  Receives an honorary fellowship from the University of the Arts London.
  
  Michelle Obama wears Jimmy Choos to her husband Barack Obama's inaugural ball.

• 2011

  Wins “The World's Outstanding Malaysian Designer 2011” Award.
  
  Receives the “Outstanding Chinese Designer Award” for his achievements in the footwear industry.
  
  Launches the first Jimmy Choo fragrance for women.

• 2012

  Receives “You Bring Charm to the World,” the most influential Malaysian award.

• 2013

  Appointed Commander of the Order of Merit (PJN) by Malaysia.
  
  Becomes a member of the Red Dot product design jury.

• 2017

  Choo launches a new shoe line under his birth name, Zhou Yang Jie.
  
  He also becomes the creative director of The Atelier, a company specializing in wedding dresses.
  
  Jimmy launches the JCA London Fashion Academy to support emerging designers.

• 2021

  Choo remains active in the fashion industry, mentoring young talent through his academy. His contributions to footwear design continue to inspire new generations of designers.