Stepping Up: Meet Sandra Choi, Creative Director of Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo used to mean sky-high heels, but since Sandra Choi took the reigns, the brand has renewed energy and expanded its offering. In the May issue of?IMAGE magazine, on shelves nationwide now, ROSALEEN MCMEEL meets the creative director to talk power dressing and embracing change.

FEATURED IMAGE COURTESY OF JIMMY CHOO/CHRIS FLOYD.?

LIVING IN SANDRA’S SHOES

BIGGEST EXTRAVAGANCE

?Time, antiques and art. I would love to own my own Gerhard Richter. That’s my life goal. If I could own one, I’d know I’d made it.?

STYLE ICON

?Tina Chow. I love the way the model and jewellery designer balanced her femininity, culture and principles. For me, also being of mixed race, all of that comes together. She styled herself – there was no mimicking. I’m probably mimicking her, as we have the same haircut. She inspired me.?

GO-TO HANDBAG

?Our Lockett bag [below, €3,350]. It’s a good size. If you do matchy-matchy, it’s a statement, but I prefer to do complementary.?

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

?Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. When it comes to make-up, I tend to focus my attention on my eyes. I don’t do a lot of dramatic things to my skin. I don’t wear that much make-up.?

THE ULTIMATE SHOE INVESTMENT

?A pair of pumps is good, with a pointy toe. If you are the average woman who just wants one pair, that’s the pair to choose. If you’re a bit more active, then I’d suggest a pair of boots. The pump is just more elegant – you can wear them with jeans, and they can give you a notion of cool or edgy. Even with dresses or trousers, they look great. But boots are easier to navigate. If they’re the right cut, you can even wear them with dresses. I live in boots.?

HEALTH ESSENTIAL

?At the moment, turmeric. It is the biggest craze. My husband is on it as well, so I tell him if he’ll make it, I’ll drink it. In the Asian diet, there is a lot of [eating healthily as a natural remedy].?

FAVOURITE FINISHING TOUCH

?I’m trying out colour on my lips. Elizabeth Salzner said I should try a bright pink lipstick on my lips. She’s a stylist, so she knows what she’s talking about. Ever since then, I’ve been trying it, and it just gives me an extra boost. I also like a piece of jewellery.?

Jimmy Choo is exclusively available?in Brown Thomas, Dublin or jimmychoo.com. Read the full article in the May issue of IMAGE magazine, on shelves nationwide now.