To celebrate nearly three decades of groundbreaking design, Jimmy Choo has launched a captivating capsule collection that revisits eight of the brand’s most iconic styles from its early years. The Archive: 1997–2001 collection pays homage to the original flair that helped the British luxury footwear house rise to global fame. Among the highlights is the legendary 72138 lilac suede heel, made unforgettable by Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. This curated selection of vintage-inspired shoes is a nostalgic yet fresh reminder of Jimmy Choo’s enduring influence on fashion and popular culture.
A shoe moment for the ages
Few television scenes have left as lasting an impression on shoe lovers as the opening of Sex and the City season three in 2000. Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, famously loses one of her pastel-purple Jimmy Choo heels while chasing the Staten Island Ferry. In a moment that captured hearts and sparked shoe obsessions worldwide, Carrie exclaims, “I lost my Choo!” as she watches the ferry sail away without her and without her shoe.
This scene was more than just a pop culture milestone; it immortalized Jimmy Choo’s footwear as symbols of glamour, sophistication and playful femininity. Carrie’s declaration of rescuing her ankles “from a life of boredom by purchasing too many pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes” reflected a zeitgeist of fashion enthusiasm that still resonates today. The brand’s whimsical yet elegant aesthetic, embodied by that single shoe, became a beacon of style for a generation and helped cement Jimmy Choo as a must-have luxury label.
Revisiting the archive: 1997–2001
Now, almost 30 years after its founding, Jimmy Choo honors its beginnings with the Archive: 1997–2001 capsule, a thoughtfully curated collection of eight early styles that defined the brand’s DNA. These designs are not just nostalgic throwbacks; they are timeless pieces that continue to inspire modern footwear fashion.
One of the most celebrated models in this lineup is the 72138, Carrie Bradshaw’s beloved lilac heel. Rendered in soft suede and accented with delicate feathers on the toe strap, it perfectly encapsulates the blend of whimsy and sophistication that Jimmy Choo has championed from the start. Creative director Sandra Choi highlights the collection’s enduring values: “I saw ideas that are still essential to Jimmy Choo today—eternal values of glamour, of femininity, combined with make and craft.”
The capsule also showcases other signature styles that capture the glamour of the late 1990s and early 2000s, from sleek stilettos to strappy sandals, each detailed with the exquisite craftsmanship that remains Jimmy Choo’s hallmark. The revival of these styles is a celebration of the brand’s creative journey and its ongoing influence on contemporary design.
Timeless elegance meets modern-day allure
While the Archive: 1997–2001 collection is steeped in nostalgia, it also proves that great design is truly timeless. Each pair reflects Jimmy Choo’s unique ability to fuse daring innovation with classic elegance—qualities that have kept the brand relevant and coveted across generations.
Sandra Choi’s vision for Jimmy Choo continues to emphasize this balance between playful femininity and serious craftsmanship. The capsule collection’s return to foundational designs reminds fashion enthusiasts that the brand’s original spirit—its passion for detail, luxury, and bold style—remains vibrant today. These shoes are not just items of footwear but icons that tell stories about the era in which they were born and their place in fashion history.
Where to find the capsule collection
The Archive: 1997–2001 capsule is now available to shop online and at select Jimmy Choo boutiques, including the Madison Avenue store in New York City, the Forum boutique in Las Vegas, as well as locations in Beverly Hills and Dallas. This limited release offers collectors, longtime fans, and new admirers alike the chance to own a piece of Jimmy Choo’s legendary beginnings.
For those drawn to the glamour of early 2000s fashion or simply looking to infuse their wardrobe with a bit of cinematic magic, the collection is a perfect blend of nostalgia and style innovation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe moments or simply appreciate exquisite footwear, Jimmy Choo’s archive collection promises a dazzling addition to any shoe wardrobe.
Jimmy Choo’s new capsule is a heartfelt nod to the brand’s storied past and a stylish reminder that true elegance never goes out of fashion. With these revived designs, the house continues to captivate hearts and feet worldwide—proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to revisit the classics.
