Shoe guru Choo on march for Perth
He's an international fashion icon, a tai chi enthusiast and a tourism ambassador for Malaysia but Professor Jimmy Choo OBE has a new role in mind for himself - as a spokesman for Perth.
Just eight months since his first visit to Australia, Professor Choo returned to West Australian shores yesterday and he's thrilled to be back.
"It's a beautiful place, I can feel it in my heart," Professor Choo said.
"I'm a tourism ambassador for Malaysia but I don't just want to tell people to come to my country, I want to tell them to come to Perth.
"It's full of tranquillity and people are very kind. It's a special place."
Following his inaugural visit for _The West Australian _ _'s _ Fashion Agenda 'Business Behind the Glamour' lunch late last year, the world-renowned footwear designer is preparing to host his first Australian masterclass at Curtin University on Thursday.
He plans to offer advice to students about building a global brand in the fiercely competitive fashion industry.
A champion for education, Professor Choo is passionate about passing on the skills he learnt from his cobbler father to the next generation of fashion stars.
"Education to me is very important," he said. "I feel very proud to follow my father's tradition and share my skill and knowledge."
"I want to pass it on, I don't want to keep it for myself."
Loved by celebrities including Kate Middleton, Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker, the couturier has already achieved widespread fame and success but he has no plans to slow down.
"I want to be like Giorgio Armani - 80 years old and still presenting to the fashion industry," Professor Choo revealed.
"I want to live to maybe 100 years old to pass on all of my skills. My dream is to travel all around the world."
