JIMMY CHOO SHOWS ABIT OF IMPROVEMENT FOR FALL 2011

Since we launched this blog last year, we’ve spent more than a little time and space talking about the various design issues at Jimmy Choo. Although the company is quite successful, it seems to be the feeling among shoe addicts that the designs just aren’t as interesting or sophisticated as they should be. I happen to agree, and although I’d much rather write about a shoe I like than one that I don’t, those are sometimes hard to find among a season’s Choo selection.

In the case of Jimmy Choo Fall 2011, though, I find myself feeling a little more upbeat. Although calling the Native American elements of some of these designs heavy-handed and silly is perhaps an understatement, there are plenty of interesting shoes to be found. My favorites are the booties and pumps made of slender, multitudinous multi-colored metallic straps that create a bit of a holographic effect, but the beaded mesh evening shoes and fur-cuffed grey booties attract my desires as well. Hopefully Choo’s shoes are headed in the right direction, permanently.

JIMMY CHOO MINES BOTH ENDS OF THE DESIGN SPECTRUM FOR FALL 2011

A bag doesn’t need to come from a collection with a strong and unified design vision to be good, but more often than not, the best bags do. Starting with a clear point of view gives a set of designs a singular vision and set of references from which to pull, and knowing what those are going in to the creation process tends to lead to better and more rigorous editing, something that Jimmy Choo’s Fall 2011 Handbags could have really used.

As I look at these pictures, I started out optimistic; a good dose of structure was perhaps exactly what was needed in order to set Choo on the right track. But as I continued to click through bags, things got weirder and weirder, and not in a chic way. Several bags are covered in metal Zodiac medallions, some of them are giant, structureless puffs of fur, one in particular is very much in need of a shave. My advice to the folks at Jimmy Choo would be to keep the box clutches and start from scratch with everything else .

JIMMY CHOO CANDICE CRYSTAL SNAKE SUEDE CLUTCH

World renowned fashion designer Jimmy Choo is most famous for his amazing shoes, but also for his gorgeous handbags.

This one will make no exception ; the stunning black suede clutch is embellished with a green Swarovski crystal-snake charm while the inside is fully lined with gold satin and stud with a designer plaque.

It has gunmetal hardware, a zip fastening with a long zip pull and a small plaque at front.

The Jimmy Choo’s ‘Candice’ black suede clutch is a glamorous cocktail companion, and can be ordered online for 1 050 € (about 1 516 $).

JIMMY CHOO’S CRYSTAL ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION STEPS OUT WITH GLAMOUR

Jimmy Choo turns 15, and what better way to celebrate it than a series aptly called the Crystal Anniversary Collection. And crystals there are. A stunning weave and waft of contemporary style and vintage aesthetics, the collection sees the signature bejewelled shoes, which made the brand so famous, get an updated and modernised to suit the new generation. So what exactly is on offer? A masterpiece of Plexiglas engineering, Ciara is a quintessential stiletto with the 1920s vintage jewellery style look. Available in nude, it’s priced for a cool $2,650. While Niagra, the modern day spin on the back in the time glamour is in silver and can be yours for $2,250. Sexier shoes just got sexier!