Kuala Lumpur Shoe Festival

Shoe fashionistas from around the world are set to congregate in Kuala Lumpur for the inaugural Malaysia International Shoe Festival. Taking place at the Putra World Trade Centre from April 2nd to 4th, the event will celebrate the best of the local shoe industry and traditional footwear, as well as giving a platform to international designers.

Malaysia's celebrated shoemaker Jimmy Choo will also be in attendance, as he is due to speak at a seminar and present ten of his most successful creations during the festival.

Tourism minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said that the event, with Choo's support, could help to establish Malaysia as an international hub for shoe fashion.

She told the New Straits Times: "My dream is for Malaysia to become a shoe buyer's centre. People go to Milan to look for fashion. "We have Jimmy Choo, nobody else has Jimmy Choo."

Co-organised by the Malaysian Footwear Association, some of the brands that will be showcased at the festival include Vincci, Bonia, Sembonia, Carlo Rino, Jukebox, Larrie, Nose, Asadi and Lewre.

Visitors can view and place orders for custom-made shoes during the show, which will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre for two days beginning April 2.

Image: Jimmy Choo studded stiletto