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Level 3 Fashion Design Meet Jimmy Choo

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12th October 2022

On Friday 7 October 2023, a group of our Level 3 Fashion Design students attended a private talk with Jimmy Choo, founder of the global luxury brand Jimmy Choo Ltd.

He spoke to our Fashion Retail Academy students about his career as a footwear designer and brand owner. He also shared his advice for forging a career in the fashion industry, including the importance of hard work and networking. 

"Our students were given the opportunity to meet Jimmy and hear about his incredible career in the fashion industry. Jimmy spent over two hours telling stories and giving valuable advice, with the students (and myself!) hanging off every word!" said Ryan Brockbank, Programme Manager for Level 3 Fashion Design at the Fashion Retail Academy. 

"It was amazing to have the opportunity to listen to Jimmy Choo speak about his empire and be able to ask him questions. He was very humble and inspiring; it's a day that I'll remember forever," said Nicole, one of our Level 3 Fashion Design students. When asked what has motivated him throughout his design career, Jimmy Choo told them it is his passion for clothing and the fashion industry. 

Jessica said, "It was really nice of Jimmy to take the time to talk to us. It was very inspiring to meet him!"  

Ben agreed, saying "meeting Professor Choo was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." 

Jimmy Choo was born in Penang, Malaysia. His father taught him how to make shoes by hand, and he made his first pair of shoes when he was 11 years old: a pair of slippers.  

From 1982 to 1984, Choo studied at Cordwainers Technical College in Hackney - now part of the London College of Fashion. He decided to stay in London after graduating. "My parents were shoemakers and I have followed my father's lead. He inspired me," Choo said. 

He opened his first shop in 1986, gaining recognition at London Fashion Week in 1988. By the early 1990s, Diana, Princess of Wales was wearing Choo’s designs. He founded his eponymous label in 1996; he sold his stake in the company in 2001 for £8.8 million.  

At the Fashion Retail Academy, we work with over 140 brand partners to create and deliver our courses. When you study with us, you'll get industry enrichment like masterclasses, projects, mentors and experience with major fashion brands. 

Applications for September 2023 are now open.

If you'd like the opportunity to meet industry leaders like Jimmy Choo as you take the first steps in your fashion career, apply for our Level 3 Fashion Design diploma today!

Our friendly Applicant Services team are always happy to help give you advice and information about studying at the Fashion Retail Academy. You can call them on 0300 247 0039 or email info@fra.ac.uk

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