An English bull terrier residing in Brazil has become the unlikely new face of Jimmy Choo, collaborating on a capsule collection of pre-fall accessories. Jimmy Choo the dog lives with Brazilian artist Rafael Mantesso, who has become an Instagram star for his illustrated photographs showing Jimmy Choo in line-drawn scenes as a DJ, a punk with a mohican and being fired from a circus cannon, amongst others. After the break-up of his marriage, Mantesso found himself alone in his flat and decided to fill the space with a small studio in order to create the whimsical canine scenarios.
Film by London-based animator Jo Ratcliffe
Mantesso’s adorable portraits of Jimmy Choo went viral on Instagram and soon enough found their way to the smartphone of Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo the brand. “All of a sudden, I had friends from all over the world forwarding me links to Rafael’s enchanting work featuring his loveable English bull terrier, Jimmy Choo,” says Choi, “I was instantly charmed by the way he animated his captivating dog into his artwork. I had never seen anything like it! His work is so playful, clever and witty, and we struck up an immediate friendship online. I just knew that I had to incorporate his work into a collection.”
The collection of accessories includes totes, cosmetic pouches, purses and iPhone cases emblazoned with Jimmy Choo dreaming of shoes, DJing on decks and relaxing on a sofa with a martini. There are also leather dog collars in silver or white with gold studs, to cater for canine fans of the collaboration.
The limited edition collection launches from May 15.