Fashion royalty Jimmy Choo recently visited Lahore, accompanied by his niece Lucy Choi, meeting some of Pakistan’s top designers.
Choo’s trip, which was widely documented on social media, included a glamorous dinner with Lahore’s social elite and visits to renowned studios like Faraz Manan, The House of Kamiar Rokni, and designers Nilofer Shahid and Rehan Bashir Jalwana.
The designer praised the exceptional work of Pakistani designers, urging them to showcase their talent on global platforms like London, New York, and Shanghai Fashion Weeks.
In a Zoom interview, Choo, dressed in a bright red coat and flat-brimmed hat, shared his thoughts on his first visit to Pakistan. “Lahore is beautiful, and the food is amazing,” he said.
At 76, Choo’s focus is on “giving back” through the Jimmy Choo Academy (JCA), which he founded in 2021 to nurture emerging talent. “My father always said, once you learn a skill, you must pass it on to others,” he explained.
Lucy Choi, the JCA’s Company Director, added, “Pakistan is a hidden gem with immense talent and craftsmanship. The Academy aims to bridge the gap between industry and education, and we hope to foster collaborations with Pakistani designers.”
The visit was facilitated by Sarwar Khawaja, Patron of Arts at JCA, and his wife Faiza Khan, both of whom hail from Lahore. Choo and Lucy expressed admiration for the traditional techniques blended with modern creativity in Pakistani fashion. “It reminded me of how the Jimmy Choo brand started—with a deep focus on hand embellishments and craftsmanship,” Lucy said.
While the trip may not immediately open global avenues for Pakistani designers, it has sparked conversations about potential collaborations, including internships for JCA students at local ateliers.
Choo also visited a school and an orphanage, reflecting his commitment to empowering the next generation.
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