Jimmy Choo at Shoe Fest 2010

What is it they say about shoes and ladies? Can we ever keep them apart? Walk into our shopping malls and you can sense how vanity coupled with excitement spills as feet slip into the trendy shoe wear.

But more palpable excitement literally walked all over us when we (men included) met Jimmy Choo at the PWTC (Putra World Trade Centre) in April. Yes, it was about all manner of shoes and and more so, Jimmy Choo's shoes!! You always recognize the buzz when a celebrity is around. Weren't we thrilled to meet the man himself and see his fine display of shoes showcased for all to view. Looking at them, they shine so beautifully oozing glamour and dollars galore! (you already know, I can't afford them :( ) Still, no harm in admiring.

My celebrity moment!

Have to say tho, Jimmy Choo was the reason I was at the exhibition. His fame has spread to many shores. And he's one Malaysian who makes us proud to be one too. After all, he has put Malaysia on the high fashion shoe wear map. He shod the late Princess Diana , an ardent admirer of his talent. More celebrities, including the rich and famous make up a long list of admirers -Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep. Even US First Lady, Michelle Obama wore a pair of Jimmy Choo's at her husband Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony.

Jimmy Choo happily obliged to have a photo taken with me and so many others. How did that happen with so many happy camera - clicking fans few feet deep and I was at the back of them ? I wriggled and snaked seamlessly my way , 'Excuse me, excuse me... ,' I said gently and got my way at the top!! Then I asked a young gentleman to quickly click that celebrity moment!! Jimmy Choo was v. nice. The crowds adored him. He seemed happy to be back with the home crowd . He even shook my hand ever so warmly and said,'Thank you for coming!'

Behind all the glitz of fame and wealth, Jimmy Choo started life poor. He was born into a family of shoemakers in Penang, Malaysia. The young Choo had to give up his primary year 6 education to learn the trade. At age 11, he made his very first pair . What was a job turned into passion and he pursued shoe designing in Cortwainers College, London (now part of London College of Fashion). Money was scarce but he persisted to keep his passion alive doing many menial odd jobs - cleaning toilets, sweeping floors, working in restaurants and being frugal.

In 1986, Choo set up a shoe factory in an old hospital building in London. Sales were poor. Lady Luck shone on him in 1988. He was spotted by VOGUE who featured his designs in 8 full pages. A shot to fame but nothing much changed until Princess Diana's regular patronage for his shoes made many eyes turn towards his elegant, feminine , skilfully crafted shoes. Since then, Choo has never looked back.

Just imagine, wouldn't it be great if I had the chance in a million to interview him? After all, he seems such a humble guy who's able to mingle freely with all and sundry. Some questions I would like to ask him:

1. as a boy, what dreams did you have, as you were helping your dad?

2. it takes a brave move to try to eke a living making shoes in London, one of the fashion capitals. What was it then, in Malaysia that you saw prompted you to seek greener pastures?

3. is the Malaysian taste for shoes any different from others - hope you know what I mean!!!

4. tell us your feelings when VOGUE splashed your designs on 8 full pages.

5. Shoes and Choo are one and the same. Your fame is international. How do you cope with celebrities? Do give us your take on it.

6. you are a great model for Malaysians - your struggle, your passion all make you what you are today - with some measure of luck. Nevertheless, a truly deserving career. Share with us the traits one must have to succeed in a competitive world. More so, to gain international status.

7. Finally, we are very proud of you, Professor Datuk Jimmy Choo, OBE. Thank you for your time !!! ( gosh, my interview is over and I'm sooo excited!!!)

I read that Jimmy Choo hopes to open his dream Couture Shoe Academy in Malaysia. Fingers crossed. Be ready to be inspired!

Happy fans - he was enjoying himself too!

Thought I had smaller feet! Well, now I know!!

Many interesting events - a shoe designing competition, fashion show, shoemakers at work, naming x number of shoe retailers participating, throwing shoes into a hole to get a prize, talks, etc.