Today’s venture to see Jimmy Choo Spring 2013 collection was like a trip to the candy store. Not only because of the array of yummy-enough-to-eat colors, but because I wanted to grab up everything in sight like a little kid. Tamara Mellon’s shoe empire is steadily growing into a solid vision of stilettos and clutches. While the bags once seemed like something of an afterthought, they are now arriving at the forefront. Exotics of python and stamped crocodile look dreamy and oh-so spring-like in cobalt and lime, but the spotlight is stolen (at least momentarily) from these classics by a new shape with an ID-chain closure. The Shadow is girly-tough in bubblegum and pearlescent-lilac pebbled leathers. Frames of colored and metal studs look more like gumdrops than hard spikes, and make a great complement to a sleek, smooth clutch.
There’s a big winner here, though: it’s the floral-printed python bag that we absolutely fell in love with. Derek Lam did it this season in a smaller-scale floral, to very different effects. His had delicacy and daintiness; Jimmy Choo’s is in-your-face exaggerated, and that’s what I love about it. With decorative zippers trimming the front-flap, these tropical blossoms are fierce and fun. And isn’t that exactly how you describe the girl wearing Jimmy Choo?
