Jimmy Choo outlines keys to success in Taipei event

“Whatever you do, never wait until tomorrow. Finish your work today because success will not waiting for you tomorrow,” he added.

Choo made the remarks at a forum on the sidelines of the Oct. 24-25 exhibition being organized by the British Council, an organization that promotes education, creative ideas and international cultural relations. Born in Penang, Malaysia into a family of shoemakers, Choo founded Jimmy Choo Ltd. in 1996 with Tamara Mellon, an editor for Vogue magazine, and become one of the world's most renowned shoe designers.

Celebrity and royal patronage, such as that of Britain's late Princess Diana and U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, further boosted his image and in 2001, he sold his 50 percent stake in the company to concentrate on his exclusive Jimmy Choo Couture line.

Recalling the time studying at London's Cordwainers Technical College, which is now part of the London College of Fashion, Choo said he had to work part time to pay his tuition and that his career was not all smooth sailing after graduation.

There was a time when he had to make 50 pairs of US$10 shoes per week just to pay his expenses because his name was unknown, Choo said.

Today, his couture shoes cost at least 10 times than much and there is a long waiting list for them, he added.

In 1988, his creations were featured in a record eight pages in the August issue of Vogue magazine, bringing international recognition to his craftsmanship and designs.

“I never blame the gods or anyone else for my hardships. I work hard and am devoted to what I do because there is no shortcut to success,” Choo said.

Standing in front of a mini-exhibition of his shoes, Choo said he was very happy to act as an education ambassador for the British Council.

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