Jimmy Choo SS14 Review
For SS14, Jimmy Choo has taken its menswear offering to the streets, “drawing on inspiration from street style showcases in neighbourhoods on the fashion margins.” The setting for the SS14 presentation at London Collections: MEN was the Jimmy Choo store on King Street in Covent Garden. The collection was presented around the store, creating a path that told the collection’s design narrative. “From the brightly coloured dandy style of the Congolese Sapeurs in Brazzaville to the urban energy of inner city New York, self-expression through fashion is presented in a footwear wardrobe for going out, going to work, working it or just hanging out.” The colour palette featured was vast, from natural earthy tones to sun-bleached accents, whilst washes and matting on some of the new suede styles as well the luxe python and mock-croc fabrics provided a well-worn finish. The use of micro-studs on many of the styles helped bring a touch of signature Jimmy Choo detailing to range, which was more crisp and understated than its chunkier predecessors.
“The collection inspiration was ignited by the contemporary art series ‘Men in the Cities’ by Robert Longo, which led me to people watch in other cities outside the traditional fashion capitals. I was inspired by the resplendent Sapeurs in Brazzaville, the tricked out street style of New York and the creativity of fashion individuality in cities around the world.” Jimmy Choo Creative Director, Sandra Choi
Going to Work
New for the season, Jimmy Choo’s ‘Going to Work’ line offers contemporary classics for the discerning city boy. Key styles include: the ‘Gentry’, a classic spectator shoe given a typical Choo twist in dégradé chalk suede with a black patent toecap (a direct reflection of Robert Longo’s iconic imagery); and the ‘Morland’ brogue, a modish take on a classic silhouette that features micro-stud detailing across the upper. However, the highlight of the ‘Going to Work’ edit is the new ‘Williams’ double-monk, a classic formal tan leather shoe given a laid-back inversion through its contrasting camo print straps:
Working It
Taking inspiration from city life, the ‘Working It’ line features some of Choo’s most ‘fashionable’ styles. Perfect for events and nights out, this edit includes the newly introduced ‘Bevan’, a striking polka-dot printed tassel loafer that “captures showman style of dandily dressed Sapeurs”. Other styles, including the noted ‘Foxley’ slipper, have been given a more casual remake, presented in embossed suede with studded, oversized tassel details. The iconic ‘Sloane’ slipper takes home the ‘best dressed’ award for the collection. It was showcased in a wide range of variants, including a dégradé glitter canvas, studded suede, supremely soft nubuck matte python as well as an eye-catching ‘Established in 1996’ motif:
Hanging Out
The ‘Hanging Out’ line features the brand’s more casual styles and channels the “urban energy of the inner city”. From classic studded ‘Belgravia’ hi-tops to new mid-top trainers like the ‘Varley’, Jimmy Choo has broadened its casual offering, finishing with the introduction of a new track shoe called ‘Leighton’, featuring glitter webbing and Choo’s signature camo print. The SS14 collection also sees the introduction of new suede boots as well as new incarnations of classic biker styles:
Overall, the SS14 collection is vast, yet the theme throughout is tight. There is an any-occasion feel to the range, giving the Jimmy Choo man a go-to style no matter what the event he has to attend. New bag and leather accessories also complement the shoe styles, further adding to the collection’s story and all-round appeal.
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