GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA: Datuk Jimmy Choo hopes to open his dream Couture Shoe Academy in Malaysia.

“It has to be well-planned and reputable. Once it is established, the academy can be licensed all over the world on the Jimmy Choo label,” he told reporters at a dinner hosted by Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Batu Ferringhi here on Wednesday night.

After selling his share of Jimmy Choo Ltd to Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd in 2001, Choo now spends more time at his London-based Jimmy Choo Couture house at 18 Connaught Street, designing shoes for the British royal family and celebrities including Hollywood actress Katie Holmes and her husband Tom Cruise.

“Katie and Tom are my favourite customers as they will take the trouble to drop me a thank you note after visiting me to order a pair of shoes. I really appreciate that as they are so rich and famous but yet remain humble and friendly,” he added.

He was also proud that US First Lady Michelle Obama chose a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes for her husband Barrack Obama’s inauguration ceremony.

Choo, who flew in from London two days ago, said he was overwhelmed as he was finally able to “toss the yee sang” and fulfil a long-time dream to celebrate Chinese New Year here for the first time in 15 years.

“I am happier now that I have some time to myself as in the past the CNY period was a season of fashion shows and new orders that I never had time with the family,” said Choo who was born in the Lunar year of the Ox.

Choo said he never forgot his roots in Penang despite his international status.

“Never say no and never give up. In business, it is not always about money and success but one must be sincere, honest, tolerant, willing to work hard and remain humble no matter how successful,” he added.

Choo said he was proud to be a Malaysian and while it was important to promote international brands here, it was equally important for local designers, whom he described as having great potential, be given adequate support and promotion.