« Czech Golf Rimini’s Wild Side »
My Travels
This issue our regular travel interview traces the footsteps of the renowned shoe designer
WORDS BY SALLY HOWARD
Shoe craftsman Jimmy Choo was born in Malaysia in 1961. He studied at the London College of Fashion and, in the late eighties, became a celebrated shoe designer to the stars. The Jimmy Choo ready-to-wear line is now managed by Tamara Mellon and Sandra Choi, Choo’s neice, after Choo sold his stake in the business for a reported £10 million in 2001. Choo now concentrates on the Jimmy Choo Couture line and his work for the British Council promoting education in Malaysia.
What’s your earliest memory of going on holiday?
V&A museum, LondonMy earliest memory of travel is coming to London 21 years ago. Everything looked very old fashioned to me – all these tall, grey buildings and white faces. Now London’s part of me. I love its speed and its quiet, especially its parks. Hyde Park is where I go when I need to take time out to relax. Or I’ll visit the V&A, and just lose myself for a moment.
What’s been your best holiday?
Louvre, ParisI took my family to Paris last year and love how they preserve their culture there. We spent hours in the Louvre; it was magical. But the UK has the edge on France in promoting fashion – you just have to look at the success of Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen.
What kind of luggage do you use?
I’ve always used Samsonite and recently I bought a new upright case with four wheels as a gift to myself. It’s made my life much easier, especially as I can use it as an armchair to wait through any airport delays!
Where will you go next?
Venice, ItalyI travel around Britain whenever I get the chance during the summer months. I love the countryside of Wales, the grandeur of Bath and the warm light of Somerset in late summer.
Boutique hotel or five-star luxury?
Luxury. When I feel tired of my routine, I’ll call up my agent and ask him to send me somewhere, and the first night I’ll often stay in a wonderful hotel. I like the Ritz-Carlton and Shangri-La brands. I feel I’ve worked hard in life and have earned the right to enjoy the world. But I find travel humbling in that it shows me how much I still have to learn.
I’d love to go back to…
Italy – you can’t beat it for romance. There’s nothing more wonderful than the twinkling reflections on the water in Venice when the night is drawing in.
The best city to buy shoes is…
Anywhere with a Jimmy Choo store!
JIMMY CHOO PHOTO: © REX FEATURES
Pages: 1 2
Bookmark This Post 
Print This Post
Email This Post
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.