MANILA, Philippines - Though their platforms reach new heights as each year passes, Jimmy Choo’s best-selling shoe is an ode to minimalism: the stiletto pump.
“It’s a simple arch and the perfect amount of toe cleavage,” says Jimmy Choo regional marketing and PR manager for Asia Anson Shum, on what makes the perfect stiletto. “Though it’s got height, it’s not too high so women can wear it every day — to the office and out to dinner or the club.”
Part of its 24/7 collection — so named because it’s designed for women to wear every day, every hour (yes, even those diamante strappy stilettos in bronze) — the stiletto may be the star of the till but the latest pieces are the star of the season.
Shum presented the Justine, a slouchy new handbag in unstructured calf inspired by Aimee Anouk from the ’70s French flick Justine. Flashes of yellow, coral and jade python mark this as the luxe must-have of the season.
Exotic skins traditionally make up the hero pieces of the collection. Aside from snake, crocodile, python and elapse, there’s leopard print — a signature for a label known for its glamorous, sexy side.
For summer, with the exception of Choo’s neon stilettos, tribal and ethnic elements come together in hand-woven leather macrame, particularly in one piece made in homage to doyenne of eclectic style Iris Apfel. Traditional summer pieces are lent an artisanal feel with corded, braided, patchworked elements.
The ’70s is proving to be a big influence for the label this year, opening with its homage to French cinema. “Kate Moss is also a big inspiration for us for the coming year,” adds Shum. “Think Kate in the ’70s.”