FROM PAPER TO LEATHER: JIMMY CHOO COLLABORATES WITH HELEN MUSSELWHITE

Jimmy Choo has partnered with acclaimed paper artist Helen Musselwhite to reimagine its iconic BON BON bag for the 2026 ‘From the Atelier’ series. The collaboration, admired by Creative Director Sandra Choi, marks a fusion of luxury leather craftsmanship with Musselwhite’s celebrated artistry in paper craft.  

One of the joys of running an illustration agency is never knowing who might reach out next. In 2025, a call from Jimmy Choo’s creative team set the stage for a remarkable collaboration. They had discovered the intricate work of Helen Musselwhite, a leading figure in the paper craft scene, and envisioned her reinterpreting the brand’s BON BON bag as part of its 2026 ‘From the Atelier’ series. The idea sparked immediate creative excitement.  

Musselwhite, whose career spans decades at the forefront of paper artistry, has long attracted admirers across industries. Her portfolio includes collaborations with major brands, but hearing that one of her admirers was Sandra Choi, Creative Director of Jimmy Choo, was a defining moment. For Musselwhite, the opportunity to bring her craft into dialogue with one of fashion’s most coveted accessories was both surreal and exhilarating.  

The BON BON bag, already an emblem of Jimmy Choo’s design legacy, becomes a canvas for Musselwhite’s imaginative vision. Known for her ability to transform paper into layered, sculptural worlds, Musselwhite’s reinterpretation bridges the delicacy of her medium with the luxury of leather. The collaboration underscores Jimmy Choo’s commitment to celebrating artistry beyond traditional fashion boundaries, while Musselwhite’s involvement highlights the growing recognition of paper craft as a serious art form.  

For Choi, the partnership is a testament to the brand’s ethos of blending heritage with innovation. By inviting Musselwhite to reimagine the BON BON, Jimmy Choo not only honours the bag’s iconic status but also expands its narrative into new creative territory. The collaboration reflects a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, storytelling, and the emotional resonance of design.  

As the 2026 ‘From the Atelier’ series unfolds, Musselwhite’s BON BON reinterpretation stands as a symbol of cross-disciplinary creativity. It celebrates the unexpected harmony between paper and leather, tradition and reinvention, and the enduring allure of a designer handbag reimagined through the eyes of an artist whose medium is as fragile as it is powerful.