The first standalone luxury footwear brand to go public, Jimmy Choo is an internationally renowned fashion house, and its bold Romy stilettos, glitzy Bing mules and sleek, minimalist Minori boots dazzle on red carpets, wedding reception dancefloors and in oft-Instagrammed restaurant interiors all over the world.
Jimmy Choo was born Zhou Yang Jie in 1948 in Penang, Malaysia. Growing up, the young Mr. Choo showed an early interest in the family business — his father was a prominent shoe designer in Penang — and made his first pair of shoes in his father’s workshop at the age of 11.
Choo moved to England in his early 20s to attend Cordwainers Technical College. He subsequently worked for a couple of footwear manufacturers and honed his skills. In 1986, Choo set up a modest handmade shoe business in East London. Ten years later, with the support of Vogue magazine's fashion editor at the time, Tamara Mellon, Jimmy Choo Ltd. went global with clothing, purses and accessories largely crafted in Italy and stores in Manhattan, Beverly Hills and elsewhere.
The Jimmy Choo brand quickly gained a reputation for its sophisticated and elegant footwear designs, which were often adorned with luxurious materials like Swarovski crystals, pearls, and exotic animal skins. The company became a favorite among celebrities, including Princess Diana, who wore Choo on an official visit to Australia. Choo gifted a pair of heels — now on display at the Smithsonian — to Michelle Obama for the presidential inauguration of her husband, Barack Obama. The TV series Sex in the City, which regularly celebrated Manolos and made a star of Fendi’s iconic Baguette, featured countless pairs of Jimmy Choo heels that heightened the visibility of the brand and cemented Choo’s legendary status in footwear and design.
In 2001, Choo sold his share of the company to Tamara Mellon and private equity firm Equinox Luxury Holdings, but he continued to work as a designer for the brand until 2011 before launching a new luxury footwear brand, Jimmy Choo Couture, which specializes in bespoke shoes and handbags.
Over the course of his career, Choo has been recognized for his contributions to the fashion industry, having earned numerous awards and accolades. In 2002, he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire), and in 2011, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Footwear News Achievement Awards.
And shoe design is still a family business, as two of Choo’s nieces both work in fashion — Sandra Choi is creative director at Jimmy Choo, while his other niece, Lucy Choi, founded her shoe label in London in 2012.
Find vintage Jimmy Choo shoes, shoulder bags, clutches and other accessories on 1stDibs.
JIMMY CHOO gold & silver BON BON CRYSTAL SATIN Bucket Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Jimmy Choo BON BON bag is a striking statement piece, expertly crafted in satin and adorned with dazzling hotfix crystal embellishments. Made in Italy, this signa...
Black leather shoulder bag "Ramona " JIMMY CHOO
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black leather shoulder bag. Gold metal hardware clasp on the front. 4 pockets inside: one flat with zip, one flat without zip and 2 on both side with branded snap closure. Beige sued...
JIMMY CHOO taupe MADELINE PYTHON SUNRISE Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Jimmy Choo Madeline bag in taupe and rainbow shiny Elaphe snakeskin, exquisitely crafted in a structured, feminine silhouette th...
Jimmy Choo Tatum Leather & Suede Fringe Hobo Bag - '10s
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Jimmy Choo Tatum hobo bag crafted in black suede and leather featuring signature woven detailing and dramatic fringe trim throughout. Designed with silver-tone chain shoulder straps ...
Jimmy Choo Tan and Silver Perforated Suede Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Jimmy Choo shoulder bag has a bottom silver leather layer with a tan perforated suede layer on top. The bag has silver hardware and a leat...
Jimmy Choo evening bag by Sandra Choi circa 2015
By Jimmy Choo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JIMMY CHOO - A Collection circa 2015, under the artistic direction of Sandra Choi. Black velvet-lamb evening bag ornamented with silvery metal tiny chains, black fringes, and a tubog...
Pale shinny gold clutch with gold metal chain and rhinestone Jimmy Choo
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Pale shinny gold clutch with gold metal chain and rhinestone closure. Ivory satin lining inside with one zipped pocket. Magnet claps closure in gold metal hardware. Snap closure unde...
rare JIMMY CHOO textured acrylic silver star crystal embellished mini clutch bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
rare JIMMY CHOO black textured acrylic silver star crystal embellished mini clutch bag Reference: TGAS/E00005 Brand: Jimmy Choo Material: Acrylic, Metal Color: Black, Silver Pattern:...
Jimmy Choo Cheetah Pony Hair Bag New
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Jimmy Choo large cheetah print pony hair new handbag. Handle drop 6”, shoulder 18”. Original dust cover.
Jimmy Choo Vintage Small Shiny Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Milano, IT
Stunning small handbag designed and branded Jimmy Choo, dating back to the 1990s. ORIGINAL BRAND. The handbag is a handbag, very small, apt to carry makeup. It is made with a glossy ...
New Jimmy Choo Swarovski Sunglasses With Case & Box $595
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Conroe, TX
Jimmy Choo Brand New *Stunning in Black * Silver Hardware * Swarovski Crystal at Temples * Resin Frames * ROCK/S 0807 * Made in Italy * 100% UVA/UVB Protection * Comes with Case, Cle...
Jimmy Choo Brown Satin Clutch with Gold Cutout Handle
By Jimmy Choo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Jimmy Choo Brown Satin Clutch with Gold Cutout Handle. This clutch is in very good condition with minor areas wear on both sides. It is a foldover clutch and has a magnetic clasp. Th...
Jimmy Choo clutch bag by Sandra Choi circa 2015
By Jimmy Choo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JIMMY CHOO - Circa 2015 Collection, under the artistic direction of Sandra Choi. Silver-tone metal evening clutch, covered in black and blue rhinestones. Made in Italy Condition: Ve...
Jimmy Choo, Rebel crossbody silver leather bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Jimmy Choo, Rebel crossbody silver metallic leather bag. The item has a few small scratches on the hardware and leather, overall in good condition. Comes with booklet, dustbag and au...
21st Century Jimmy Choo Red Carpet Jewel Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Jimmy Choo clutch bag features a sleek and elegant design. The body of the clutch is rectangular with a black exterior, likely made from a s...
Jimmy Choo Vintage 1990s Gold Silver Tone Pochette Unisex Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Capri, IT
Jimmy Choo gold and silver tone pochette 16*30 cm
Jimmy Choo Varenne black leather crossbody bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Amman, JO
Jimmy Choo Varenne black leather crossbody bag Elevate your everyday wardrobe with this sleek black leather shoulder bag from Jimmy Choo. Designed with a structured silhouette and f...
JIMMY CHOO silver glitter fabric RIANE CLUTCH W STRAP Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Jimmy Choo Riane clutch is crafted from dazzling silver glitter fabric, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any occasion. It features a detachable gold-tone ...
Jimmy Choo Red Leather Top Handle Bag with Shoulder Strap
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Amman, JO
Jimmy Choo Red Leather Top Handle Bag with Shoulder Strap Bold and effortlessly chic, this Jimmy Choo handbag is crafted from vibrant red leather with a soft, structured silhouette....
New Jimmy Choo *Lockett* Black Leather Gold Studded Medium size Top Handle Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Jimmy Choo *Lockett* Handbag Tote Black Leather, Gold-Tone Hardware, Medium Size, Magnetic Snap Closure, Center Zip Pocket, One Interior Side Pocket. Dual Rolled Top Handles, Bl...
Jimmy Choo Banana-Yellow Huge Leather fringe Tote Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in New York, NY
Jimmy Choo's Huge Banana-Yellow tote bag is accented with fringes and detailed with carefully folded lambskin on front along with embellished stars in ...
Jimmy Choo, python leather clutch in metallic red
By Jimmy Choo
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Jimmy Choo, python leather clutch in metallic red. The item is in very good condition. Small stains on the interior. Comes with authenticity card and booklet. Comes with dustbag.
Y2K Jimmy Choo Blue Plaid Satin & Leather Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the Y2K Jimmy Choo Blue Plaid Satin & Leather Shoulder Bag, a stunning blend of sophistication and playfulness. Exuding a chic retro vibe, this stylish accessory features...
New Jimmy Choo *Riley* Red Grainy Calf Leather Tote Cross-body Large Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Montgomery, TX
This popular Jimmy Choo Riley's Grainy Calf Leather Cross-body Bag in Red ( Wine ). The over sized tote bag is trimmed with gold-toned hardware. The o...
Jimmy Choo Justine Leather Handbag - Taupe
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
JIMMY CHOO bag Boston Justine model in taupe Taupe leather, gold trim, two flat leather handles, front patch pocket and flap pocket with zip, double top zip, beige canvas lining, on...
Jimmy Choo Multicolor Striped Leather Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Krakow, PL
Jimmy Choo – Leather Printed Bag Condition: Very good Condition Details: Minor signs of use including scuffs and scratches on the leather Bag Type: Shoulder / handbag Exterior Ma...
Jimmy Choo Women Ruby Silver Studded Black Suede Mini Top Handle Crossbody Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Miami, FL
- Black suede exterior - Studded front - Comes with adjustable crossbody strap Condition: The bag is in excellent Condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Appr...
Jimmy Choo, Rebel crossbody rose leather bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Jimmy Choo, Rebel crossbody rose metallic leather bag. The item has a few small scratches on the hardware and leather, overall in good condition. Comes with booklet, dustbag and auth...
Jimmy Choo Pink Floral Satin Flap Shoulder Bag 2JC113
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Dix hills, NY
Jimmy Choo Pink Floral Satin Flap Shoulder Bag 2JC113 Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 10 " Width: 2 " Height: 4.5 " Shoulder Handle Drop: 6.5 " OVERALL EXCELLENT minus CONDITIO...
Jimmy Choo Calfskin Crystal Cheri Compact Wallet
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Jimmy Choo Calfskin Crystal Cheri Compact Wallet is crafted of a Parrot Blue calfskin leather and features a crystal embellishment on the frontal flap. This opens to a matching ...
New Jimmy Choo *Lockett* Brown Leather Gold Studded Medium size Top Handle Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Montgomery, TX
New Jimmy Choo *Lockett* Handbag Tote Brown Leather, Gold-Tone Hardware, Medium Size, Magnetic Snap Closure, Center Zip Pocket, One Interior Side Pocket. Dual Rolled Top Handles, Be...
JIMMY CHOO black & silver LOCKETT BEADED Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Jimmy Choo Lockett mini bag in black faceted beads and warm silver metal sphere beads, exquisitely crafted in a compact, sculpted silhouette that sparkles with dimensi...
Jimmy Choo Leather and Lace Crossbody Mini Handbag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The purse is made out leather covered with black floral lace, featuring gold tone hardware, chain shoulder strap (drops 24").
An amazing Jimmy Choo Silver Fine Glitter Fabric and Metal Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Jimmy Choo ballet silver is crafted from fine glitter fabric and radiates elegance and sophistication. The sleek rectangular shape is enhanced by a shimmering silver glitter ext...
JIMMY CHOO Black Leather Studded Tote Spike Grommet Rivet 4JC1220K
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Dix hills, NY
JIMMY CHOO Black Leather Studded Tote Spike Grommet Rivet 4JC1220K Date Code/Serial Number: W6TZ4X Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 16 " Width: 9" Height: 13" Shoulder Handl...
21st Century Jimmy Choo Pink Heart Acrylic Clutch Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This Jimmy Choo clutch bag features a bold and playful design with a hard, structured pink acrylic shell. On the front, there’s a large red heart graphic outlined in black, with the ...
JIMMY CHOO black leather LOCKETT PETITE Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Jimmy Choo Lockett Petite shoulder bag in smooth black leather featuring silver-tone hardware. It opens by a patented push-lock clasp to a brown suede-lined interior. ...
New JIMMY CHOO *Rebel* Red Grainy Calf Leather Cross Body Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Montgomery, TX
The *Rebel* cross-body bag in red is the embodiment of modern style in a sleek compact silhouette. Featuring a grainy leather exterior, this multi-functional design has an adjustable...
21st Century Jimmy Choo Black Leather Crossbody Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This 21st-century Jimmy Choo crossbody bag is a striking example of modern luxury, blending minimalist design with bold branding and edgy details. Made from smooth black leather, the...
JIMMY CHOO Black Leather Star Zippy Wallet 1JC726K
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: N/A Made In: Italy Measurements: Length: 4" Width: 0.25" Height: 3" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B) Accessories: None Signs of Wear: Front:...