Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat (born 15 November 1948 ) is a Malaysian fashion designer based in the United Kingdom. He co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd, which became known for its handmade women's shoes.

Early life Choo was born in 1948 in the Crown Colony of Penang (now part of Malaysia) into a family of shoemakers of Hakka Chinese descent. Choo's father, a shoemaker who made all of his shoes by hand, taught him the craft. "My parents were shoemakers and I have followed my father's lead. He inspired me," said Jimmy Choo. He made his first pair of shoes when he was 11 years old—a pair of slippers.

Between 1982 and 1984, Choo studied at Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney (now part of the London College of Fashion) in London. He went to a design firm to work after graduation, wishing to remain in London permanently instead of returning to Malaysia. In April 2001, Choo sold his 50% stake in the company for £10 million. The Jimmy Choo London line, also known as Jimmy Choo Ready-To-Wear or, simply, Jimmy Choo, is under the purview of Tamara Mellon. The ready-to-wear line has expanded to include accessories such as handbags.

In 2009, Choo said that his brand was a favourite of Diana, Princess of Wales.

In 2023, Greek rap avant-garde artist Roi 6/12 released his album "Strip club" with the single "Jimmy Choo" which mentions the designer. The lyrics recite how wearing shoes designed by Jimmy Choo assists in the achievement of an extramarital affair between a male and a female.

Awards and honours 2002: Appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his services to the shoe and fashion industry in the UK 2004: Awarded an honorary doctorate in art by De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, for his contribution to their unique Single Honours Footwear Design degree 2009: Awarded an Honorary Fellowship by University of the Arts London 2011: Winner of "The World's Outstanding Malaysian Designer 2011" Design for Asia Award for the "Daniel" part 2011: Winner of the "Outstanding Chinese Designer Award" for his accomplishments in the footwear industry.

Honours of Malaysia

International honours