Anatomy of an Investment Piece: Jimmy Choo Saeda Pumps

Elegant. Elevated. Effortless.

Trends come and go, but classics are forever. With the Anatomy of an Investment Piece, we highlight the timeless styles you need in your wardrobe and break down what exactly makes them worth buying. Whether it’s a forever bag, wear-everywhere coat, or footwear staple, these fashion pieces are icons in the making.

It takes a special shoe to become an instant classic. Blurring the line between footwear and fine jewelry, the Jimmy Choo Saeda is one such shoe. Designed by Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo’s Creative Director, the Saeda achieved immediate icon status thanks to a slew of celebrities eager to step out in these beautifully crafted heels. Its streamlined silhouette and striking crystal accents were first spotted on the red carpet soon after its debut in 2020, garnering a star-studded list of fans, including Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, and Gigi Hadid.

Diane Kruger wore a vividly pink pair to the 2021 Met Gala. By our count, fashion influencer Leonie Hanne has at least half a dozen pairs. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to locate a fashion week in recent memory where an A-lister hasn't been photographed in their favorite style of the Saeda. Read on for a dive deep into the luxurious world of the Jimmy Choo Saeda and see why, in the words of its designer, "the height of refinement" and "a work of art."

The History

Despite its relatively short tenure as a member of the Jimmy Choo family, the Saeda's sartorial ranking as a modern classic, along with its cult status as a red carpet favorite, led the brand to continually develop bold colorways and exciting iterations throughout the years.

The original Saeda stilleto pump, featuring a heel height of roughly four inches, was followed by a slightly lower-heeled version — 85mm compared to the OG's 100mm, as well as an open-toed sandal style. Two platform versions came next, along with a flat iteration possessing all the glamour of its predecessors minus the extra inches.

This spring, the Saeda family is welcoming two new editions perfectly on-trend for 2024: a block heel that weighs in on the shorter side of the Saeda growth chart at 85mm and a sumptuous slingback pump that sees a shift of crystal adornment to the forefront.

The Craftsmanship

While the Saeda looks effortless, the amount of effort that goes into the evolution from raw material to polished pump is astounding. Handcrafted in Italy, every pair of Saedas features 40 crystals, each one individually hand-applied, a process that takes approximately an hour and a half.

Every element of the Saeda's anklet-means-ankle-strap is intentional, from where it sits on the ankle — placed low to elongate the leg — to the distance between its sparkle and the rest of the shoe, spacing which is designed to highlight its uniquely glamorous details.

Along the range of heel heights and silhouettes found in the Saeda family, Jimmy Choo hasn't left fashion girlies seeking out bold colors and flashier material options disappointed. In addition to the classic satin and patent leather, the Saeda is also made in suede, velvet, crystal mesh, dusty glitter, and a truly unique liquid leather metal finish. Did we mention there are an astonishing array of colors to choose from?

The Appeal

In 2024, the year of over-the-top accessorizing and layers upon layers of glam, it's easy to see why the Saeda is such a star. Factor in the fact that Jimmy Choo keeps this iconic design both on trend and accessible with its vast variety of styles and you've got yourself the makings of a truly timeless work of art.

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