LEICESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Taiwanese footwear design student at De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester, UK, will be spending her summer working alongside one of the world’s most renowned shoe designers Professor Jimmy Choo OBE.

I Cheng Lin (Nikki), from Taichung City, Taiwan, impressed Choo so much during a workshop in March that she has now been offered a three month internship (starting from July) at his renowned Couture House in London, where he still actively works with his team in the design and production of bespoke handmade shoes.

Nikki’s talent in shoe design won her the workshop at Choo’s Couture House when he visited DMU in November 2009 to give a masterclass to its footwear students.

A firm supporter of education, Choo regularly mentors young shoe designers like Nikki at his studio. He said: “Nikki showed great promise when she spent two days with us in March. We are very pleased to offer her this internship and hope to build on the knowledge she has already gained from her experience with us.

“We will continue to show Nikki how the whole process of couture works, from dealing with individual clients, right through to the design and creation of their shoes.”

The 21-year-old final year student will spend her time observing Choo and his team and helping out with day-to-day tasks.

She said: “I had a great time with Jimmy Choo and his team and I am very grateful for the opportunity to spend another three months there after I graduate. It’s an exciting way to start my career in footwear, and who better to learn from than one of the industry’s most iconic designers.”

DMU offers the only single honours footwear design course in the UK, and has won support from Choo, who also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University.

Choo was born in Penang, Malaysia into a family of shoemakers, making his first shoe at 11 years old.

His determination to follow in his fathers' footsteps and master the art of shoe design saw him arrive in London where he established his couture label in 1986. His made-to-order designs include an extensive range of bespoke handmade shoes, which are favoured by international stars worldwide, including the late Princess Diana.