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Fashion
CREATIVE SOLE
If you had access to the best shoe closet in the world what would you wear? We caught up with Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo, the luxury accessories brand to find out.
Having trained with her uncle Jimmy Choo in her youth, Sandra Choi has continued the eponymous designer's legacy of glamorous footwear with forays into ready-to-wear and handbags since taking the reins back in 2013. We caught up with the designer and creative director to get some tips on the return to heels as well as the pieces to covet this season.
What was the inspiration behind the AW21 collection?
“I was inspired by the power of identity, the reformer on the street and the new youth subculture that it influences. The confidence in one’s identity is powerful - daring to be yourself. It reminded me of the ‘60s and ‘70s; the mood of optimism, of society shifting and changing, the excitement of the future, the possibilities coming. The key fashion movements were driven by youth rebellion, the Mods, the Rockers and the Beatniks - that way of thinking felt so right for now.”
What are the standout pieces we should look out for?
“There’s something for everyone in this collection. My favourite pieces include the CHAD a knee high boot in luxurious scarlet velvet, balanced on a richly lacquered heel. The LEROY is a sensual, glove-fitted ankle-boot, pointed at the toe, with a tubular crystal ankle-strap like a piece of futuristic jewellery. And the CLAYTON Chelsea boot on a thick volume sole, which is a reference to the youth vibe of the ‘60s and something I’ll be wearing every day!”
As Jimmy Choo’s niece and protégé, what lesson did he impart that has had the most impact on you, personally or professionally?
“I learnt my craft with Jimmy and the training was invaluable. Working with him I realised that designing a heel is like architecture, you have to have all the elements correct to make a good shoe.”
With so many shoe brands on the market, why do you think Jimmy Choo continues to stand the test of time?
“Jimmy Choo has become a full luxury lifestyle brand that not only talks but listens. We are constantly challenging ourselves to innovate and reinforce the duality of Jimmy Choo. We are known for high heels and red carpet glamour and that will forever be at the heart of the brand, but we also have a longstanding reputation and dynamic business in off-duty boots and sneakers since the early 2000s.”
How do you approach your design work, what’s your starting point?
“I find inspiration in the everyday, I am constantly inspired – that’s the nature of being a creative. My life is rich with sources and it changes from season to season. Vintage fashion, architecture, a musician, photography, art and nature, or as simple as an album cover – all of them continue to play a part in triggering my seasonal collection designs.”
Did the last year under lockdown impact your design work at all for this season’s collection, and if so, in what ways?
“During the pandemic nature was a great source of inspiration, watching mother nature continue to flourish has been endlessly inspiring and can be seen in future collections.”
While known for exquisite heels, your flats have a cult following too. What makes the perfect flat shoe in your opinion?
“I think the move towards flats is due to women having to wear so many hats in a normal day – I am a working mother trying to find that daily balance whilst juggling a demanding work schedule, I need to be able to be comfortable in a shoe I can wear all day - but I also want to have fun and look glamorous, which our flats offer.”
Any tips for getting back into our favourite heels after a long break?
“The key is to wear a heel height that you are comfortable in – that you can dance and walk in. It doesn’t matter how high it is, but you need to find your optimal heel height! My optimum heel height on a single sole is 100mm, but I can go higher with a platform – up to 120mm!”
FALL BACK INTO HEELS:
JIMMY CHOO Chad 90 Velvet Knee-High Boots
Now €547.50
Was €1,095.00
JIMMY CHOO Marta 90 Crystal Buckle Suede Mules
Now €375.00
Was €750.00
JIMMY CHOO Saeda 100 Crystal-Embellished Pumps
€975.00
JIMMY CHOO Ray 65 Logo Ribbon Nappa Leather Pumps
Now €312.50
Was €625.00
JIMMY CHOO Bryson 100 Stretch Suede Boots
Now €597.50
Was €1,195.00
JIMMY CHOO Maysa 85 Crystal Buckle Suede Sandals
Now €387.50
Was €775.00
JIMMY CHOO Traci 90 Mesh Leather Pointed Sandals
Now €347.50
Was €695.00
JIMMY CHOO Avenue 50 Nappa Leather Mules
€650.00
JIMMY CHOO Kix 65 Nappa Houndstooth Ankle Boots
Now €425.00
Was €850.00
JIMMY CHOO Baily 100 Dusty Glitter Pumps
Now €475.00
Was €950.00
JIMMY CHOO Mavie 85 Suede Snake Print Ankle Boots
Now €397.50
Was €795.00
JIMMY CHOO Bing 100 Liquid Metallic Leather Mules
Now €425.00
Was €850.00
JIMMY CHOO Bing 100 Liquid Metallic Leather Mules
Now €425.00
Was €850.00
Jimmy Choo really shines at special events. Are you looking forward to the return of a real life award season?
“We are really lucky that so many great women and men have worn us on the red carpet and at special events. It always makes me so proud to see people choosing to wear Jimmy Choo, and I can’t wait to see many more now events are starting again.”
If you could only choose one pair of Choos, which would be your favourite and why?
“My favourites are my Jimmy Choo PASHA summer sandals. They symbolise holiday and time out!”
WALK ANYWHERE FLATS:
JIMMY CHOO Baily Dusty Glitter Flat Shoes
Now €397.00
Was €795.00
JIMMY CHOO Diamond Metallic Leather Trainers
€395.00
JIMMY CHOO Diamond Metallic Leather Trainers
€395.00
JIMMY CHOO Lani JC Logo Bow Mesh & Leather Flat Shoes
Now €262.50
Was €525.00
JIMMY CHOO Lani JC Logo Bow Mesh & Leather Flat Shoes
Now €262.50
Was €525.00
JIMMY CHOO Lani JC Logo Bow Mesh & Leather Flat Shoes
Now €262.50
Was €525.00
JIMMY CHOO Marga Crystal Buckle Suede Flat Sandals
Now €337.00
Was €675.00
JIMMY CHOO Hawaii Pearl-Embellished Calf Leather Trainers
Now €367.50
Was €525.00
JIMMY CHOO Clayton Vintage Leather Ankle Boots
Now €387.00
Was €775.00
JIMMY CHOO Mani Crystal Buckle Nappa Leather Loafers
Now €347.50
Was €695.00
JIMMY CHOO Jill 30 Glitter Slingback Pumps
Now €375.00
Was €750.00
JIMMY CHOO Diamond X Calf Leather Trainers
Now €275.00
Was €550.00
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Learn even more from fashion insiders in Strong Suit where we meet Bryan Conway, the Irish man bringing contemporary cool to a heritage Swedish brand with global appeal.