Jimmy Choo
Birth: 1961
Place Of Birth: Pulau Pinang
Graduated: Cordwainers' Technical College in London
Jimmy Choo has become a worldwide known brand. One associated with
class, style and high fashion. Not surprising then, would Dato’ Jimmy
Choo top our list. Born into a family of shoemakers, Jimmy Choo made his
first shoe when he was only 11 years old. His fashion industry
beginnings can be traced back to his workshop in Hackney, North London
which he opened in 1986 by renting an old hospital building. He came to
the verge of international notability when his creations were featured
in a record eight pages in a 1988 issue of Vogue. Patronage from Diana,
Princess of Wales, from 1990 further boosted his image and by 1996, he
co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd with British Vogue magazine accessories editor
Tamara Mellon. After selling his 50% stake in the company in 2001, he
has since concentrated his work on the exclusive Jimmy Choo Couture line
produced under license from Jimmy Choo Ltd.
Award
- 2000: Bestowed a state award carrying the title of Dato' by the Sultan of Pahang state in Malaysia for his achievements
- 2002: Conferred an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to the shoe and fashion industry in the UK.
- 2004: Awarded the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of his home state of Penang, which also carries the title Dato'[3]
- Awarded an honorary doctorate in art in July 2004 by De Montfort University, Leicester, U.K., for his contribution to their unique Single Honours Footwear Design degree
