Jimmy Choo Reissues Icons From The 1997–2001 Archive—Everything You Need To Know
Jimmy Choo unveils a reissue of its 1997–2001 archive, celebrating timeless glamour and craftsmanship as it approaches its 30th anniversary. The post Jimmy Choo Reissues Icons From The 1997–2001 Archive—Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Haute Living.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Choo
As Jimmy Choo nears its 30th anniversary, the legendary fashion house launches a rare tribute to its origins with “The Archive: 1997–2001.” This curated reissue of eight iconic shoe styles serves as a celebration of the brand’s early years, reflecting its foundational DNA and the timeless sophistication that defines Jimmy Choo.
Creative Director Sandra Choi explains that revisiting the first five years was an emotional and strategic journey into the heart of Jimmy Choo. These formative styles, she emphasizes, contain the eternal values of glamour and femininity that remain central to the brand today. According to Choi, “It’s a celebration, pure and simple—and Jimmy Choo can always ignite a party.”
Each piece from this reissued collection has been carefully chosen to illustrate the multifaceted identity of the house. Style names like The Boot, The Thong, The Slide, and The Strappy underscore the elemental nature of these designs. Each silhouette reflects a unique interpretation of elegance, femininity, and contemporary glamour.
The story of Jimmy Choo began in the world of bespoke fashion, creating shoes for the global elite, including Princess Diana. The ready-to-wear label, established in 1996, built upon this foundation with designs engineered to empower women during life’s most defining moments. The Archive collection taps into this heritage while connecting to today’s fashion zeitgeist.
Curated by Sandra Choi in collaboration with award-winning fashion designer Conner Ives and journalist-curator Alexander Fury, the selection distills both the essence of early-2000s fashion and the brand’s origin story. The collection captures the spirit of that era while showcasing styles that transcend trends and remain strikingly relevant today.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Choo
Among the standout pieces is the legendary “72138,” first introduced in 1998. This shoe, made in soft vintage lilac suede and trimmed with ethereal feathers, gained iconic status after being worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City. Her line, “I lost my Choo!” immortalized the brand in pop culture and cemented its place in the fashion hall of fame.
Another gem, The Strappy, debuted in Jimmy Choo’s first Spring/Summer 1997 collection. This thong sandal, with delicate criss-crossing straps, exudes refined sensuality. It challenges conventional ideas of sexy and showcases the precision and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand.
The Leo channels Jimmy Choo’s enduring fascination with animal print. Originally unveiled in 1998, this leopard-print grosgrain sandal gained cultural cachet thanks to its appearance in the opening sequence of Sex and the City. It embodies the spirit of the late ’90s while still feeling utterly modern.
The Bow, introduced in 2000, is a show-stopping style where spotted print meets snake-embossed leather. The asymmetrical bows tied across the foot create a visual tension that highlights both strength and grace—a provocative synthesis of materials and messaging that has come to define the Jimmy Choo aesthetic.
Jimmy Choo has always embraced contradiction. The Slide, a flat mint nubuck mule from 1999, proves that glamour need not be confined to heels. With a sharply chiseled toe and a sculptural silhouette, this relaxed yet polished design reflects today’s fluid boundaries between casual and formal style.
The Boot, a fierce style from 2000, was originally featured in Raymond Meier’s campaign and now returns in python-print leather. Dynamic and powerful, it embodies the active spirit and audacious edge that characterizes Jimmy Choo’s bolder offerings.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Choo
In The Thong, a high-heeled sandal draped in silver chain mail, Y2K nostalgia is brought vividly to life. This shoe pays homage to the era’s love of metallics and fluid silhouettes, reminiscent of handkerchief tops that once ruled the runways.
Completing the collection is The Flower, a Spring/Summer 2001 bestseller. Its barely-there metallic nappa base is crowned with an embroidered silken corsage that seems to float like a delicate treasure. This piece showcases Jimmy Choo’s mastery in turning footwear into art.
Together, these eight reissued designs form a powerful conversation. They each contribute a chapter to the Jimmy Choo narrative—defining a legacy while shaping the future. They serve as proof that true style is not bound by time, but rather defined by enduring vision and impeccable execution.
Jimmy Choo continues to lead not only with trend-setting fashion but also with a clear reverence for its roots. This Archive collection isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a reaffirmation of the house’s commitment to artistry, innovation, and empowerment.
With “The Archive: 1997–2001,” Jimmy Choo has masterfully bridged the past and the present. As the brand looks toward its 30th anniversary, it reminds us that great design is not fleeting—it’s timeless. These reissued pieces are more than just shoes; they are heirlooms of fashion history, forever imprinted with the spirit of the brand that created them.
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