Carrie Bradshaw might have lost her Choo but the time has come for you to find your own. Launched today, Jimmy Choo has taken a visit back to its archive to reintroduce a series of styles from the nineties and noughties that include two pairs worn by Sarah Jessica Parker's character in the original series of Sex And The City.
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Creative director Sandra Choi worked with fashion journalist Alexander Fury and designer Conner Ives on the edit that brings back seven styles from strappy sandals to knee-high boots. 'In our discussions it was mostly about defining the fashion moment at the time and the context of how the styles influenced and shaped the design aesthetic for the brand over time,' Choi told ELLE UK ahead of the launch. No wonder then that the collection runs the gamut to include every shoe an It-girl could want, and then some. Highlights also include a flat suede mule and a sandal held on by a singular rose-clad toe strap.
As the brand approaches its 30th birthday next year, Choi is grateful for the pop culture moments that defined its early years — especially the Sex And The City appearances. 'I think the feather sandal 72138 has so much to answer for,' she explained. 'It was a turning point for the brand that firmly put us on the global fashion stage. What a lot of people don’t know is that the sandal Carrie is wearing in the iconic opening title sequence is The Leo in leopard.' See it pictured at the top of this article.
Though released nearly three decades ago, the seven styles speak to the designs many of us are looking to add to our wardrobe today — such is the cyclical nature of fashion. 'It is always important to reference the past in order to move forward,' added Choi. 'Fashion is influenced by popular culture; popular culture is influenced by society and so the cycle continues. Seeing Nineties and early Noughties references resurfacing, and how the new generation interpret them, is inspiring.'
As if choosing seven styles from its rich archive wasn't hard enough, we tasked Choi to pick a favourite from the select styles. 'Personally, I love the first strappy design as a thong sandal on an 85mm heel. I remember they broke every rule possible at the time,' she offered. 'Those fine straps casing around the toes and the curve of the arch pushes enough sexiness so that you forget you are wearing a thong sandal on a high heel because you are going to have fun looking so fabulous! The thong is pure noughties nostalgia – the inspiration was a handkerchief top, a 2000s wardrobe staple. A simple design, but requiring hours of meticulous craft.'
Launched just in time for summer, when we are all reconsidering what our shoe (Choo?) wardrobe looks like, each pair would offer the right amount of vintage styling to bring favourite wedding guest dresses or even denim jeans bang up to date. As Choi concluded: 'All of them are pieces of nostalgia that deserve a place in the wardrobe! Some of them are timeless, others are work of art with exquisite details and craftsmanship. I honestly think they are must-haves forever shoes. But then again, I’m biased!'
What To Buy From Jimmy Choo The Archive: 1997-2001
Jimmy Choo Flower Sandal
Jimmy Choo Leather Boot
Jimmy Choo Leather Sandal
Jimmy Choo Leather Mule
Jimmy Choo Slingback Sandal
Jimmy Choo Grosgrain Sandal
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