Opposites attract – and this fashion collab is proof
Jimmy Choo has joined forces with Timberland for a capsule collection inspired by New York City.
Remember when eyebrows were raised following the unexpected brand pairing of Jimmy Choo and Timberland back in 2020? Focusing on Timberland’s hero six-inch boot, the limited-edition collection comprised four designs, three unisex and one women’s style. Now, following the success of that partnership, the luxury shoe brand label known for its stilettos has once again collaborated with the uber-rugged brand synonymous with hip-hop on a new collection of footwear inspired by the city of New York.
This high-octane capsule sees Timberland’s iconic Original Yellow Bootä reimagined through the glamorous lens of Jimmy Choo’s creative director, Sandra Choi. To bring a new dimension to their partnership, the global brands tapped Harlem’s Fashion Row, a New York-based agency that provides opportunities for emerging Black and Latinx creatives, who introduced them to New York-native designer Shanel Campbell. Campbell’s work explores the Black experience in America, and her invaluable insight – combined with Jimmy Choo’s signature style of daring glamour – has resulted in a unique fusion that celebrates the creative spirit of the city and culminates in the total reinvention of a cult classic.
“Working with Harlem’s Fashion Row and Shanel Campbell brought a new dimension to the collaboration,” said Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo. “Shanel infused the collection with her authentic New York creative lens, a true New Yorker living and breathing the heartbeat of this vibrant city. I love to mix it up by getting together with interesting creative minds, combining our DNA to create beautiful and surprising pieces. This collaboration celebrates urban glamour, the resilience and eclecticism of the city’s dynamic community, a tribute to the ultimate New York City staple, Timberland boots.”
Echoing her sentiments, Campbell added, “Collaborating with two brands was one of the most interesting things I’ve ever done. I was constantly asking myself, what does it look like when these worlds – Jimmy Choo and Timberland – collide? It was an amazing experience collaborating with another woman in a creative director role. It was also so inspiring because it’s like looking into the future that I want to have one day. I’m super excited to see my fellow New Yorkers wearing this collection, I feed off the vibes and energy of the city. Without a doubt my main source of inspiration are the people of New York, from people riding on the city’s transport system to the suits on Wall Street – they inform everything I create.”
The capsule comprises seven styles across men’s and women’s, including two hot-pink velvet boots finished with transparent soles, two classic nubuck boots with a graffiti-inspired Jimmy Choo logo script, a black boot with a Swarovski crystal-embellished collar, and a thigh-high black leather harness boot that has dual styling function, transforming into a classic six-inch silhouette with ease. The collection is completed with a heeled version of the iconic Timberland six-inch boot covered entirely in Swarovski crystals, available in limited quantities exclusively at Jimmy Choo.
“Although our brand was born in New England in 1973, we’ve always considered New York City our second home,” said Drieke Leenknegt, CMO of Timberland. “This community helped make us who we are today, which is why we were so excited to bring in Harlem’s Fashion Row as a partner. It’s been an honour to work alongside Shanel and this amazing team of creatives to blend Timberland’s work and outdoor heritage, the glamour of Jimmy Choo, the gritty energy of New York, and create such a unique collection.”
GO: The Jimmy Choo x Timberland collaboration has launched at Jimmy Choo and Timberland locations and select retailers around the world.
