Ever since Carrie Bradshaw disclosed her love for Jimmy Choo in Sex and the City, the British label has become a red carpet staple and lured fashion addicts with its haute heels and classy clutches. Now, going by the number of stand-alone stores in India, it looks like the prohibitively priced brand is gradually becoming the sole desire of well-heeled women here too.
According to Sanjay Kapoor, managing director of Genesis Colors, a fashion conglomerate that has been pioneering the concept of luxury retail, the Chennai store is Choo’s sixth in India. Kapoor, who is credited with launching a bouquet of Western luxury and bridge-luxury brands in the country, says the non-availability of good retail space for luxury products pushed the Chennai launch. “The opening of Bergamo Mall on upmarket Khader Nawaz Khan Road has encouraged us to bring luxury labels to the city. Large, mainstream malls are more mass-market driven. A brand like Choo will be out of place there. Luxury-seekers prefer to shop in an environment that offers a pedigree product line, good ambience and a quiet shopping experience,” says the banker-turned-entrepreneur.
Whether it is the classic pointy-toe Anouk or the dance-floor worthy Cage sandals, Choo’s creations are a marvel in stiletto architecture. Well-contoured lines, delicate straps, pretty bow detailing, crystals, silver stud embellishment and intricate lattice work with its fish net effect are some of the touches that give the iconic brand its style-meets-sexiness edge. And it is the well-nuanced feminine twists that make fashionistas such as actor Sameera Reddy gravitate to it.
In Chennai for the launch, the svelte Sameera in a stylish Choo number says, “I’ve always been a big fan of stilettos. A touch of shimmer is good because it gives me a Cinderella-like feeling. The fashion scene has changed drastically in India over the last ten years. Thanks to the Internet and the media, everyone wants to know what’s trending in the fashion scene. The influx of brands, the opening of stand-alone stores and the growing demand for stylish products have changed the way people perceive fashion.”
Talking about her shopping trips, the actor says, “I love to shop during my travels because that’s when I have time. But I’m not an impulsive shopper. I prefer to invest in that one pair of shoes or bag that’s versatile and timeless. With two model sisters at home, I couldn’t have asked for more style tips. While shopping for big brands I make sure my personality shines through. Ultimately, that’s the success of a good brand — it must enhance your personality, not override your strengths.”
When it comes to jewellery, Sameera prefers statement pieces made in India. Gold, silver or any other medium, for me, accessories must have an earthy touch. I don’t mind quirky ones too — think bangles with spikes! For shoes, my taste veers towards classic, clean lines that make my feet look pretty. No Lady Gaga type footnotes for me. I’m particular about comfort, posture and wearability. Besides a few statement colours, I have a collection of neutrals that can be worn with any outfit. As for watches, I don’t go for girly styles. Even as a child, I loved wearing my dad’s big-faced chunky pieces.
Talk about Choo, a brand popularised by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, and Sameera says, “The thing about Choo is that it covers a spectrum of colours and styles. From elegant to whimsical, and safe sand tones to funky hues, the line of footwear and clutches appeals across age groups and tastes.”
From Choo being constantly on Hollywood’s radar, the topic moves to Kollywood. And Sameera, who has played lead roles in Asal, Vaaranam Aayiram, Nadunisi Naaygal, Vettai and Vedi, says, “I wanted to take a break because it got a bit hectic. Now, I’m back and have already started listening to scripts. I’m not in a hurry though. I want to make careful choices.”
