Flats, peep-toes, clogs, bootees, loafers, platform sandals! We choose a pair of shoes depending on the mood, whether for fun, comfort and, why not, dancing.
Women are fascinated by such a versatile accessory that can turn an urban look into sophisticated attire, just by substituting a pair of flat boots for a pair of stilettos. We have developed a sixth sense; and know that with a simple black dress, we can transform something stylish into something spectacular -if combined with the right pair of heels. The change could be magical, and even our self-esteem will get a bounce.
Enter Jimmy Choo
I can assure you that just walking a few steps on Jimmy Choo’s new Diffuse model, and feeling the spell it casts around you, can be priceless. The seductive footwear and accessory label, founded in 1996 by Tamara Mellon and Malaysian designer Jimmy Choo, is one of the brands that has won over the most fans in the least amount of time. Since its creator sold the label and left the business in November 2011, in the wake of her success, the firm has soared straight up into the stratosphere: opening stores in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, and bringing out collections in conjunction with avant-garde designers and artists, like the extravagant Robert Pruitt.
This capsule collection, available at exclusive outlets, features 19 different shoe styles, as well as handbags and other accessories, made from unique materials, that have already become collector items.
“We are really excited about this encounter, since it reflects everything that captivated us about collaborating with Rob Pruitt: his energy, the way he uses color and the exuberant genius in his patterns and materials; there were items in his work that somehow reminded us of the iconography of Jimmy Choo’s designs. Cooperating in this way has seen some very original collector’s items come to life, combining Rob’s sarcastic sense of humor and Jimmy Choo’s emblematic glamour”, said Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway, the brand’s creative directors.
Long Live Overkill!
The collaboration has resulted in a capsule collection that shines with a mix of phosphorescence, lace, striped zebra patterns, the characteristic Pruitt pandas…! Each piece is painstakingly put together. The sole has a dégradé finish, and the shoemaker even designed special wrapping for the striking collection: a bright rose-colored box with a fastener in the shape of a panda angel or demon.
Pandas are a recurring theme in Pruitt’s work. “It is a symbol that represents the harmony of Yin & Yang, and makes us appreciate the sensitive and adorable things in the universe”, said the artist. Toying with this symbolism, Pruitt created a duet of angel and demon pandas, using them to represent the two sides all Jimmy Choo women share: classic and nice, or naughty and fun are a recurrent theme throughout the entire selection. An adorable minaudière clutch was created especially for the collection, made up of more than 11,000 hand set Swarovski crystals. Continuing with the Yin Yang theme, the artist designed 12 sets of angel panda and demon panda minaudières, part of a limited edition, signed and numbered by the artist himself.
Rob Pruitt’s Obsessions
With a sensitivity deeply rooted in pop culture, Pruitt’s fascination with fashion and Hollywood inspired him to create his own Art Awards, a performance-based celebration of contemporary art, designed after a typical Hollywood award ceremony, that was organized, in association with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, in 2009 and 2010. His artistic work, acknowledged and displayed the world over, has been exhibited in solo exhibitions at Dallas Contemporary and in museums such as MoMA P.S. 1 and Tate Modern. His statue, The Andy Monument, in homage to Andy Warhol, measuring 7 feet in height, was installed in Manhattan from March to the end of September 2012, provoking all kinds of reactions from the public.
Born in Washington DC and now living in New York, Pruitt (1964) grew up in Maryland and studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. His nonconformist work plays off humor against profundity.
Today, thanks to Pruitt, the windows of all Jimmy Choo stores are presented full of strength, color and sparkle. If I were you, I would seek out this collection and try the effect of its magic. Unforgettable! ■
PHOTOS
Tickle and Minaudiere.
