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...
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 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...
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 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 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 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. ...
H 3.55 in L 7.09 in
Rodo Dark Chocolate Silk Clutch Bag
By Rodo
Located in Paris, FR
Rodo dark chocolate bag featuring a long shape, a shoulder silver tone chain could go inside the clutch, a top logo silver-tone claps fastening, and inside plaque and an inside pocke...
F/W 2001 Gianni Versace by Donatella Ad Blue Fur Rhinestone Mini Bag
By Donatella Versace for Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Gianni Versace mini bag designed by Donatella Versace from the Fall/Winter 2001 collection is shaped in a small Boston-style silhouette wi...
F/W 2001 Christian Dior by John Galliano Abstract Nylon Saddle Bag Pochette
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This is a rare variation of the iconic saddle pochette bag designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, constructed of brown watercolor-printed nylon ...
H 6.5 in W 7 in L 6.5 in
Vintage Whiting and Davis Chainmail Crossbody Handbag
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Super festive and fun vintage Whiting and Davis crossbody handbag! This is the perfect going out bag as the chainmail fabric is so special and eye catc...
H 7.5 in W 10 in D 4.75 in
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Craie Off White Cream Epsom Gold
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Birkin 25cm Sellier Craie Off White Cream Epsom Gold Do not miss this perfect little jewel - the only Birkin you need day and night, all four seasons! Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift! Comes in full set with clochette, lock, keys, dust bag, and orange Hermes box. Craie is the most coveted and incredibly gorgeous off white or cream color that is uber chic and goes with every color. Ideal with all manners of beige, brown, black, white, khaki, blues, greens, greys, and nearly every pop color in your wardrobe. Sellier Birkins are a rare find, very limited in production and offered to Hermes VIP's. Stitched on the outside, 25cm Sellier Birkins give you the comfort and ease of a Baby Birkin as well as the structure and elegance of a Baby Kelly. This magnificent Craie Birkin 25...
H 4.73 in W 5.91 in D 1.97 in
Miu Miu matelassé bag new
By Miu Miu
Located in Basaluzzo, IT
Miu Miu bag in silver matelassé leather with jewel closure Equipped with chain also silver-colored can be worn either over the shoulder or hand clutch bag New with box, dust and t...
2000s Gucci by Tom Ford Black Silk Rhinestone 'GG' Logo Thong Mini Crossbody Bag
By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a rare black silk, rhinestone, and karung snakeskin mini Reins crossbody bag by Tom Ford for Gucci. This early 2000's bag features a 'GG' accent at the front meant to emul...
H 5.5 in W 10.5 in D 2 in
Chanel 2014 Electric Blue Patent Leather Quilted Retractable Frame Clutch Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel electric blue quilted patent leather clutch with rectangle metal frame Year: 2014 Metallic blue cc logo Satin interior lining Zippered back poc...
Chanel Timeless/Classic double Flap 10" shoulder bag in Black , CC Logo, Vintage
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Comes with Chanel box and 32chanel Dust bag CHANEL Classic Double Flap 10" Chain Shoulder Bag Lambskin Black Pre owned Vintage Black Color Code ID 3412732 Interlocking CC Logo & Qui...
Beautiful 1920s Bronze Gold Fully Beaded Vintage 20s Flapper Purse Bag Pouch
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1920s bronze and brown fully beaded evening bag! The perfect alternative to a clutch! This rare gem features two gold metal chains, and can be adjusted to wear long or shor...
H 5.5 in D 2.5 in L 9 in
Chanel Blue Caviar Leather Quilted Small Double Flap Classic Bag
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Blue Caviar Leather Quilted Small Double Flap Classic Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2021 Color: Blye Hardware: Goldtone Mat...
H 3.3 in W 1.7 in L 6.5 in
Custom Made Renaud Pellegrino Evening Handle Bag
By Renaud Pellegrino
Located in Geneva, CH
Enhance your evening looks with this refined custom made Renaud Pellegrino bag. Made from dark blue satin silk, each end of the handles is decorated with different sizes of Swarovski...
Jimmy Choo evening handbag by Sandra Choi circa 2013
By Jimmy Choo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JIMMY CHOO - A Collection circa 2013, under the artistic direction of Sandra Choi. Black lamb leather evening handbag embroidered with crystals and ornamented with a golden metal fla...
Dm 5.52 in L 16.54 in
Jimmy Choo Golden Metal Round Handbag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jimmy Choo - (Made in Italy) Golden metal round handbag with black rabbit fur and a snake-like leather handle. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Dia...
H 4.34 in W 8.67 in D 0.79 in
Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Clutch
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Amman, JO
Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Clutch, Single Removable Shoulder Chain Strap, Logo Plaque, and Multiple Interior Pockets. Material: Leather Hardware: Gold Height: 11cm Width: 22cm Depth:...
JIMMY CHOO Sky black studded suede fringe cuff strap hobo bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JIMMY CHOO Sky black studded suede fringe cuff strap hobo bag Reference: JHDN/A00004 Brand: Jimmy Choo Model: Sky Material: Leather Color: Black, Silver Pattern: Studded Closure: Zip...
JIMMY CHOO tan brown suede CINCH M Bucket Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Jimmy Choo Cinch M handbag is crafted from luxurious tan suede and features elegant gold-tone hardware. The unique silhouette is cinched by a stunning faceted Dia...
JIMMY CHOO Lockett Petite fuschia pink grainy leather buckle shoulder bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JIMMY CHOO Lockett Petite fuschia pink grainy leather buckle shoulder bag Reference: TGAS/A06057 Brand: Jimmy Choo Model: Lockett Material: Leather Color: Pink Pattern: Solid Closure...
JIMMY CHOO black woven pleated leather gold bar detail flap crossbody bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JIMMY CHOO black woven pleated leather gold bar detail flap crossbody bag Reference: MAWG/A00014 Brand: Jimmy Choo Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Magnet Extra...
JIMMY CHOO Chandra black croc embossed silver studs woven magnet clutch bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JIMMY CHOO Chandra black croc embossed silver studs woven magnet clasp clutch bag Reference: GIYG/A00296 Brand: Jimmy Choo Model: Chandra Material: ...
JIMMY CHOO black woven pleated leather gold bar detail flap crossbody bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
JIMMY CHOO black woven pleated leather gold bar detail flap crossbody bag Reference: MAWG/A00014 Brand: Jimmy Choo Material: Leather Color: Black Pattern: Solid Closure: Magnet Extra...
new JIMMY CHOO Lockett Petite fuschia pink grainy leather buckle shoulder bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Hong Kong, NT
new JIMMY CHOO Lockett Petite fuschia pink grainy leather buckle shoulder bag Reference: TGAS/A06057 Brand: Jimmy Choo Model: Lockett Material: Leather Color: Pink Pattern: Solid Clo...
H 5 in D 1.5 in L 8.5 in
Jimmy Choo Back/ Grey Ellipse Crystal-Embellished Clutch /Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in New York, NY
Jimmy Choo Ellipse Crystal-Embellished Clutch /Shoulder Bag. Features diamond motif grey crystal on black suede. Chain strap can be removed to be worn as a clutch bag. Made In: Ita...
JIMMY CHOO metallic silver brushed leather MILLA Clutch Shoulder Bag
By Jimmy Choo
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Jimmy Choo Milla evening clutch or shoulder bag in brushed metallic silver leather featuring silver-tone metal frame clasp. Lined in beige leather and grosgrain with 6...