Jimmy Choo honoured

Shoe guru, Jimmy Choo OBE has been named the world’s most outstanding Chinese

designer by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) with the Outstanding Chinese Designer Award 2011 for his achievements in the footwear industry.

The footwear designer, who also holds an Honorary Doctor of Arts from De Montfort University, was born in Malaysia into a family of shoemakers of Chinese descent, and made his first shoe at only 11-years-old before establishing his couture label in 1986. He founded Jimmy Choo, now owned by Labelux, in 1996 with Tamara Mellon - but left the label in April 2001 after selling his 50% stake in the company for £10 million.

"I am extremely honoured and very proud to receive this special award and very grateful for the recognition," said Choo.

"The Design Leadership Award and the World's Outstanding Chinese Designer are highly respected as the winners are role models who can inspire designers,” said HKDC chairman Dr Victor Lo. “As an unrivalled hub to promote and showcase Asia's design power, Hong Kong recognises the designers who have profound impact on Asians, as well as being renowned as the only Chinese among the top three shoe designers; Jimmy Choo is a fitting choice for the award.”