Jimmy Choo Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jimmy Choo: The Man Behind the Iconic Shoes

From the humble cobbler’s bench in Penang to luxury boutiques on Bond Street, Jimmy Choo’s journey reads like a shoestring-to-stardom saga — one marked by craftsmanship, timing, and a bit of royal sparkle.

Crafting a Legacy: The Shoemaker’s Origins and Early Vision

Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat was born on November 15, 1948 in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. His family belonged to a lineage of shoemakers, and from a young age, he learned the craft from his father. By the time he was 11, he had already fashioned his first pair of shoes — a modest pair of slippers made for his mother. 

Growing up surrounded by hand-stitched leather and careful craftsmanship left an indelible mark. Rather than treating shoemaking as a trade, young Choo absorbed a philosophy: every shoe was a work of art.

By the early 1980s, he moved to London and enrolled at the prestigious Cordwainers Technical College (now part of the London College of Fashion).  He graduated in 1983, formalizing his knowledge and skills — but with the same artisanal ethos he’d grown up with.

A London Atelier, Royal Clients, and the Birth of a Global Brand

In 1986, Choo opened his first bespoke shoemaking atelier in East London, renting a disused hospital building as a workspace.  The business started small — only a few handmade pairs per week — but each was crafted with care and tailored to the wearer. 

By 1988, word of Jimmy Choo’s craftsmanship began spreading. His creations were featured in an eight-page spread in Vogue, a crucial milestone that brought the atelier into the spotlight.

Then came the royal endorsement that would change everything: Princess Diana. In the early 1990s, Diana began wearing bespoke Choo shoes — a form of validation that elevated the brand’s status overnight.

To capitalize on rising demand, in 1996 Choo co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. with Tamara Mellon, then an accessories editor at Vogue. This move transformed Jimmy Choo from a bespoke atelier into a luxury footwear and accessories house — paving the way for global boutiques, handbags, perfume lines, and more. 

Stepping Away — And Letting the Brand Walk On

In April 2001, Jimmy Choo sold his 50% stake in the company for £10 million, stepping away from the ready-to-wear business.  He chose instead to focus on the couture, handmade line produced under license — preserving his commitment to craftsmanship and bespoke creation.

Under this arrangement, the commercial “Jimmy Choo” label — ready-to-wear shoes, handbags, accessories — would continue under Tamara Mellon’s stewardship.

The brand flourished. Over time, Jimmy Choo transformed into a luxury powerhouse, its products sold worldwide — from red-carpet heels to everyday glam accessories. 

Personal Life: Family, Roots, and Private Pursuits

While his name became a household word, Jimmy Choo has largely kept his personal life away from tabloid glare. What is known: he is married to Rebecca Choi, and they have two children. One of them — Danny Choo — has carved out a public presence of his own.

Though the global fashion empire grows, Choo remains rooted in his origins — often described as driven by a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and personal integrity.

What Is Jimmy Choo’s Net Worth — The Complexity Behind a Number

Estimates vary depending on source and timing. According to one widely cited profile, Jimmy Choo’s net worth is roughly US $75 million. 

That figure reflects his early buyout from Jimmy Choo Ltd. and subsequent earnings from the couture line, licensing deals, and his legacy in the luxury footwear market. Given his influence, reputation, and ongoing creative work, many analysts view the $75 M estimate as conservative.

It’s worth noting that once Choo sold his stake in 2001, he stepped away from the mass commercial enterprise; so much of his later wealth stems from licensing, royalties, and sustaining a high-end couture line — a different business model than a publicly traded fashion label.

Why Jimmy Choo Matters: More Than Just a Name on a Shoe

Jimmy Choo’s story isn’t just about fancy heels or famous clients. It’s about bridging tradition and modernity. He took skills learned at his father’s side in Penang and translated them into a global luxury language, one where each handmade shoe carried the dignity and precision of artisanal work.

In doing so, he helped redefine what luxury footwear could be: not mass-produced, but personal. Not just designed, but crafted. His journey represents the potential of heritage craftsmanship in a world racing toward automation and fast fashion.

And more than that — his life shows that success need not be loud. Sometimes, it walks quietly — in handcrafted leather, stitched with care, carried into luxury boutiques around the world.