When it comes to the luxury heels pantheon, few brands have truly stood the test of time. And British-founded, Malaysian-owned Jimmy Choo undoubtedly belongs on that prestigious list.
Renowned for combining modern glamour with meticulous craftsmanship, the global brand has established a strong presence worldwide, supported by a loyal celebrity and royals following and a reputation for creating heels that blend high-octane glamour with a sense of comfort that appeals to every woman.
From their bridal heels to everyday style, Jimmy Choo heels have become the most sought-after pieces worldwide. Let’s unpack the history, designs, and A-list following that made Jimmy Choo heels so beloved.
London Born: The Origins of Jimmy Choo
The beloved brand was created by Malaysian-born shoemaker Jimmy Choo and British Vogue fashion assistant Tamara Mellon back in 1996, when they first launched the company together in London.
While Jimmy Choo was born into a family of shoemakers and is a cobbler by profession, it is a little-known fact that his niece, Sandra Choi, was the person responsible for designing the label’s famous ready-to-wear heels.
“Jimmy has a technical ability; he’s very good at making shoes, but he didn’t have the creative vision to design a collection,” Mellon said to CNBC in an interview, adding that she and Choi would sketch their ideas out.
The brand then grew steadily and garnered cult status around the world by the late 90s and early 2000s. The designer Jimmy Choo left the brand back in 2001; however, his niece, Sandra Choi, continued to serve as its Creative Director for decades, overseeing the brand through various acquisitions and transitions.
Princess Diana & Sex and The City
It’s undoubtedly true that Jimmy Choo became the popular brand it is today thanks to Mellon’s strategic celebrity and royal influences.
A pivotal moment occurred when Princess Diana wore Jimmy Choo pumps while attending a Chicago gala in June 1996. This breakout moment quickly catapulted the brand into the mainstream zeitgeist and opened doors for the label to expand its stores worldwide, while continuing to offer bespoke services and custom dyeing to its clientele, according to WWD.
And then the other shoe dropped. In the third season of Sex and the City, the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw famously name-dropped the brand when she lost her breathtaking, lilac feather-adorned sandals, crying out: “Wait! I lost my Choo!”
Not to mention, she also wore Jimmy Choo’s leopard-print "Leo" ankle-strap sandals (with her tutu!) in the show’s legendary opening credits.
This was later followed by another famous mention in the film The Devil Wears Prada, when Nigel told Andy Sachs in a dramatic manner: “You sold your soul the first time you put on a pair of Jimmy Choos.” This marked a significant turning point in her character’s arc.
Fast-forward to the present day, and you will rarely see a red-carpet premiere without celebrities wearing Jimmy Choo heels. The royals are no exception; Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, is often spotted in the brand’s beautiful Romy Pump, and her sister-in-law Meghan Markle had worn Anouk nude pumps and Gala bow flats on numerous occasions.
Bridal Designs & Popular Models
Throughout the years, Jimmy Choo’s bridal heels have also made a splash with true fans, with models such as the Saeda, a crystal-embellished anklet pump, and the Bing: a chic, comfortable slip-on mule with a crystal strap, frequently appearing as top contenders.
Other favourites include the Azia, a modern sandal with delicate sculpted straps, and the Romy, a classic and elegant pump available in various heel heights.
These Jimmy Choo heels are beautifully crafted and meticulously designed, often featuring glamorous crystal embellishments, pearls, and classic satin finishes. And they have quickly become a favourite among blushing brides wanting a pair of luxury heels for their special day.
So, find your own pair of Jimmy Choo heels today, available only at MAYFEYR.
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