The catastrophic failure at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant on 11 March 2011, resulted in a meltdown of three of the plant’s six nuclear reactors. But Jimmy Choo has bought our attention back to this disaster by announcing a line of shoes made using materials and technique from Fukushima area.
After visiting the workshops located in the disaster-hit area, the designer has given shape to this unique collection to celebrate local artisans in the region. Fukushima has been renowned for traditional materials like Kawamata silk, Aizu cotton and Aizu lacquerware, all of which have been used to create the six pairs of heels.
The Fukushima shoes line will be put up for exhibition after which it will be donated to local organisations in the area. Choo believes that a shoe is a piece of art and a pair of shoes is more than just something to wear on your feet. He hopes that this move will help to booster the profile of talented craftsmen nearby and help enhance their earnings in future.
The UK based Malaysian fashion designer mentioned that “When I looked at the fabric, I felt it was very, very unusual, especially when I saw the workshop, the tradition 250 years old. They use their own material to create this beautiful fabric. These people … they know how to weave the fabric [but] they don’t know how important [it is] to let the whole world enjoy the craftsmanship, enjoy beautiful fabric.” Keen to promote the local artisans globally he also added, “If you give money to them, money [will run out], but passing on the skill, the skill will remain. They can start their own businesses, they can acquire people, they can start a factory, bringing the economy back to the city.”
Jimmy Choo’s haute couture designs have adorned the feet of British royals, US First Lady Michelle Obama, Madonna and the likes.
