NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOE BUSINESS
They’re a favorite among fashionistas who put their hearts and soles into Jimmy Choo shoes. Now trendsetters can step out in style thanks to a flashy new store in Beverly Hills. A chic crowd made its way down to Rodeo Drive where JC launched a west coast outpost with a splashy VIP reception.
Jimmy’s devotees went elbow to elbow in the sleek, but tiny, confines of the new boutique. They sipped champagne while servers made the rounds with caviar bellinis, fillet of beef on potato pancake and wild mushroom tartlet with white truffle oil. They were surrounded by enough yellow python sandals, zebra-striped flats and cherry red stilettos to make Carrie Bradshaw weep.
The wildly successful shoe biz was started by Tamara Mellon when she worked at British Vogue. “I felt shoes were boring, they were no fun, no fun colors and no fun hardware,” Tamara told Malibu Seen. “If I needed a Grecian metallic flat in silver I could go to Jimmy.”
While Tamara and her celebrated cobbler became a fast hit in London, it was Sarah Jessica Parker who put them on the map. “‘Sex and the City’ made us a household name,” she said. “All of a sudden you had British shoes on the red carpet.”
Tamara chatted up her high profile pals along with the evening’s co-host Jamie Tisch. Jamie looked like a Greek goddess in a striking one shouldered silver satin mini. Friend Lisa Kudrow, meantime, was warm and cozy in a wool cowl neck dress and sky-high black heels.
Dancing with the Stars alum Lisa Rinna waltzed in to say she’s still tripping the light fantastic. And what could look better on her famous feet than a pair of a Jimmy Choos? “They’re sexy and beautifully made,” she said.” I love them. They’re just gorgeous.”
Choo has become such a big to do, the company even has its own entertainment director. “We have a long history with celebrities like Cate Blanchett and they’ve given a lot of exposure to the brand,” explained Sara Riff. “Women are transformed when they put on a pair of Jimmy Choos. They bring a touch of glamour and femininity. It’s all about how good it makes them feel.”
And with the ladies lining up for those pricey pumps and sensational slides, this gang was feeling very good indeed.
BEST OF THE WORST
The Oscars are right around the corner. We know who has been nominated for the best of the best-“Michael Clayton,” “There Will Be Blood,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Juno” and “Atonement.” But what about the bottom of the barrel-the year’s stand-out sinkers?
For that dubious distinction we turn to the Razzies. The 28th annual Golden Raspberry Award nominations are out, and this year Eddie Murphy is the man to beat. Last year’s Oscar nominee (who ditched dream girl Tracy Edmonds just days after a lavish island wedding) leads the disgrace race.
Fast Eddie gets five nods, including worst actor for “Norbit.” Promises poster girl Lindsay Lohan earned multiple heckles and hisses for “I Know Who Killed Me.” “Norbit” and “I Know” also brought on boos for worst film of the year along with “Bratz,” “Daddy Day Camp” and “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.”
Murphy isn’t the only Oscar nominee to find himself Razzie bound. Other Oscar names include Nicolas Cage, Cuba Gooding Jr., Diane Keaton and Jon Voight. The winners will be announced on Saturday, one day before the Academy has its say.