What a man’s gotta Choo

Think Jimmy Choos and you probably think sparkly super-high stiletto heels and Tamara Mellon – the brand’s former president and stylish ambassador – wearing them. Well, that’s not the whole story anymore. Tamara M may have left to start her own label, but a whole new clientele has discovered the charms of Choo: men.

A couple of weeks ago The Financial Times ran an article on the new demand for more adventurous (read “blinging”) male footwear, and the customers willing to pay designer prices. It pointed out that in recent years trainers have got men (well, some of them) accustomed to colourful, statement shoes, and in 2011 Prada’s platform trainers and brogues were a cult hit. Christain Louboutin opened dedicated menswear stores in New York and Los Angeles this summer, with Dover Street in London next up in the autumn. Jimmy Choo has opened a menswear store in the Burlinton Arcade, and in June Brit rapper Tinie Tempah wore Choo “Sloane” slippers to the inaugural event for London Collections: Men.

Image from Vogue.co.uk via 00o00.blogspot.in

Excellent choice, Mr. Tempah. Here are those same “Sloane” glitter-finish leather slippers taking a breather at a GQ India photoshoot recently. The gentleman who sported them for us looks resplendent (take my word for it – the issue’s not out yet.) The price: £395. The look: a million bucks.