Business

Saturday December 20, 2008

Shoe designer extraordinaire

Mastercraftsman Choo wants to share his knowledge and skills on the art of shoe making and designing with young Malaysians


BY Angie Ng

HAVING an up and close encounter with legendary shoemaker and celebrity shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo recently was an awesome and humbling experience rolled into one. Although the weather up at Cameron Highlands Resort was chilly following a prolonged rainy season, there was an air of excitement and thrill as the guests at the hotel’s banquet hall took turns to shake hands and be photographed with the famous face that dorns fashion magazines around the world.

With Choo was YTL Hotels & Properties Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Mark Yeoh. Choo was the special guest for the hotel’s tree lighting ceremony – an annual event to usher in the year-end festive season and Christmas. He is a family friend of the Yeoh family whose listed vehicle YTL Corp Bhd owns the hotel.

Having just flown in from London two days before, Choo is looking forward to spending time with his family in Penang and friends in Malaysia before heading back to London next month.

Legendary shoe designer Datuk Jimmy Choo with the collection of chocolate replica Jimmy Choo shoes at Cameron Highlands Resort

Despite the great success he has achieved in the international fashion and Hollywood circuits as the legendary designer of the most gorgeous shoes, this Penang lad has not forgotten his roots and always finds time to be with family and friends whenever he can take a break from his busy schedule.

“We must always show respect to our parents, family members, teachers, friends and fellow colleagues. By being loving and kind to people, one will be surrounded by good ‘chi’ (or energy) and be blessed with good health and good company,” he explains when complimented on his youthful and glowing complexion.

A devout Buddhist, he believes in doing good and helping the needy. “It is important to extend a helping hand whenever we can, in however small form it may be, as our generosity will have far-reaching effects on those who are on the receiving end and cumulatively, it will make this world a better place for all.”

Asked what motivated him to venture into the shoe-making and designing business, Choo attributed it to his cobbler father.

“He taught me the importance of learning a useful trade under a good master and to be a good apprentice and work hard. From an early age, I realised there is no shortcut to success and one must always be prepared to put in all the efforts and strive for excellence in one’s chosen vocation. That was true many years ago and it still holds true today.”

Choo should know after having travelled the long and gruelling road of learning the art of shoe making from his father at the tender age of 11. His first break came while on a trip to London in his late teens when a friend told him about a shoe college in London, the Cordwainers Technical College. He signed up for a two-year diploma in footwear design course where he graduated with flying colours. The college has since become part of the London College of Fashion, one of five colleges that form the University of The Arts, London.

Being ever grateful to his alma mater, Choo is today the Ambassador for Footwear Education at the London College of Fashion to spread the word around and promote the college. Choo, who is by far the most famous student the college had ever produced, is also a professor at the college.

Since establishing his couture label in 1986, Choo’s made-to-order designs have included an extensive range of hand-beaded, hand-stitched and personalised shoes ranging from slippers, sandals and mules to boots.

Besides much hard work, the right attitude and an aptitude to become the master of the shoe trade, Choo believes luck played a role in his success. His fame as shoe designer extraordinaire took off in a big way after the Vogue magazine devoted a record eight pages to Choo’s shoes in 1988. This was followed by seven years of becoming the personal show designer for the late Lady Diana. When Hollywood showbiz celebrities and producers started knocking on his doors, his place as the most celebrated and master craftsman shoe designer was assured.

In 1996, building upon his already strong presence in Britain and his growing international reputation, Choo launched his ready-to-wear line with the late Mr Tom Yeardye. He subsequently sold his share of the ready-to-wear business in November 2001 to Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd, while he himself continued to operate his couture line.

These days, he still keeps busy at his London based-Jimmy Choo Couture house located on 18, Connaught Street (off Hyde Park), where he actively works with his team in the design and production of bespoke handmade shoes bearing the Jimmy Choo Couture label.

These exquisite, handmade couture shoes are available from £750 to £1,500 a pair.

Having carved out so much fame and success, what are his plans for the future?

To show his gratitude for the support from fellow Malaysians over the years, Choo has made up his mind to share his knowledge and skills on the art of shoe making and designing to young Malaysians who have the passion and aptitude for the trade.

“I hope to start a Couture Shoe Academy and hopefully, I can work with a good partner to kick start the shoe design institute some time next year,” he adds. He will also be setting his time aside to become a visiting professor and coach master-class students in countries including Japan, China, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. His firm support for education also keeps him busy as a spokesperson for the British Council in its promotion of British Education to foreign students.

With his down-to-earth and ready-to-share demeanour, Choo may just be the most inspiring and iconic “guru” of all times when he steps into the role as an educator in our very own couture academy.

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