Last week, fashion writers and connoisseurs convened at the Jimmy Choo store
Last week, fashion writers and connoisseurs convened at the Jimmy Choo store on 407 Bleecker Street to celebrate the collaboration between Robert Pruitt and Jimmy Choo. Robert Pruitt is a contemporary artist who has gained fame for his glittering panda bear paintings, his sculptural blue jeans, and his silvered Andy Warhol monument on public view.
The atmosphere in the store was very festive and stylish, with a great drink crowd pleaser which consisted of apple martini, rum and pineapple. After a little bit of mingling, it was great to see Jimmy Choo Creative Directors Simon Holloway and Sandra Choi walk into the store after their recent flight from London.
Pruitt has wielded his particular brand of iconoclastic humor and visual exuberance since he emerged on the New York art scene in the late ‘80s. From glittering panda bear paintings to large scale dégradé canvases with a scribble of human expression, to a silvered Andy Warhol monument on public view, Pruitt is known for producing art that is both playful and profound.
Rob is an amazing contemporary artist and his energy in his art married well with what we do at Jimmy Choo.
Referencing Pruitt’s art influences, the collection has a whimsical feel, incorporating some of his recurring artistic themes. Each product is finished with an extreme attention to detail including playful linings, exclusive materials and hand-finished soles.
The artist created several original designs that were realized in the collection. Pruitt signatures of glitter zebra, pandas and dégradé color feature in the product design, presented in surprising and often contrasting combinations always with graphic black detailing. In a playful expression for Jimmy Choo, Pruitt created a unique duo of angel and devil pandas symbolizing the dual personalities of the Jimmy Choo woman: the classic good girl / bad girl double play.
‘The panda is a recurring image seen throughout the body of my artwork. It’s a symbol that reminds us both to tread lightly and to appreciate the adorable. They represent the harmony of yin and yang.’ Rob Pruitt.
An exclusive animation titled ‘Angel Panda, Devil Panda,’ directed and illustrated by Jo Ratcliffe, with graphic patterns and inspiration by Rob Pruitt was unveiled to celebrate the launch of the Jimmy Choo capsule collection.
There was a photo booth set up for the evening and stylish Asian girls walking around. The highly collectible collection includes a limited edition pair of angel and devil panda minaudières, which we just love! The ultimate expression of the artistic collaboration features more than 11,000 hand-applied crystals. Each set, one of a limited edition of 14, will be numbered and signed by the artist.
The collection is available globally in Jimmy Choo stores and online at www.jimmychoo.com/RobPruitt and www.netaporter.com.