My Life, My Style

Jimmy Choo’s creative director, SANDRA CHOI, showcases her artistic flair in her elegant wardrobe and London home.

- Lucy Halfhead

ASKING SANDRA CHOI, the creative director of Jimmy Choo, to pick her favourite shoe is a bit like asking a parent to choose between their children. But she gamely offers an answer: “The Pascha rope-strap flat sandal. It symbolises relaxation because it’s my holiday shoe — it’s like a trusted good friend.” Choi has worked for the luxury-footwear company (which was recently sold to Michael Kors for $1.5 billion) since her late teens, and after taking sole command of the creative reins in 2013, revitalised the brand with new women’s designs, a range of trainers and a men’s collection. Her playful, androgynous style is evident when we meet at her home in Battersea, southwest London: a trademark asymmetrical haircut, ear cuffs and a silk kimono top over jeans.

Choi was born on the Isle of Wight, but was sent to live with her grandparents in Hong Kong at just eight months old while her parents focused on building their restaurant business. “Despite the fact that I grew up without my mum, I’m grateful because I learnt so much about my heritage,” she says. As a child she looked to Japanese pop stars for sartorial inspiration: “My father got the biggest shock when he picked me up at the airport coming back to Britain aged 13; I had half my hair shaved off and wore the baggiest jeans, a Paisley shirt and white lace-up shoes.”