FROM SOLE TO SILHOUETTE

In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Malaysia's maestro of high heels himself, Jimmy Choo, PRESTIGE learns about his move to bridal wear and what drives him.

- TENGKU ZAI and SHARNYIA SELVAN

It’s a sunny but quiet afternoon in KL, and I’m waiting at the Four Seasons to meet one of the world’s most famous Malaysians, Jimmy Choo. I’ve interviewed many greats, but am somehow filled with a hint of nervousness. What would he be like? He comes in, signature sunnies on, in a casual slate blue suit and shoes he’s designed for himself, of course. I can feel him eyeing me up and down through his aviators.

As it turns out, I have no reason to worry. Because despite his many years spent away from home, Jimmy Choo is very much a Malaysian at heart—warm, welcoming, kind, and affable. Jimmy is in reality a calming presence. The first thing he tells me is how much he loves my look and the structure of the handbag I’ve chosen to carry that day. A relief, since that’s exactly what we’re going to be talking about—his world of style and design.