Who Is the Co-Founder of Jimmy Choo
Tamara Mellon is the co-founder of Jimmy Choo, the British luxury footwear and accessories brand she launched in the early 1990s alongside designer Jimmy Choo. The brand is known for high-end shoes, handbags, and small leather goods sold in flagship stores and department stores worldwide. Mellon served as creative director and later as CEO, helping shape the brand's identity and global expansion strategy read more.
Jimmy Choo was founded by Malaysian-born couturier Jimmy Choo and British business executive Tamara Mellon, who met through the London fashion scene. Their collaboration combined Jimmy Choo's artisan shoe-making skills with Mellon's business and branding expertise. The company grew from a small London workshop into a global luxury brand with flagship stores in key fashion capitals source.
Tamara Mellon's Career and Role at Jimmy Choo
Early Career and Brand Building
Before co-founding Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon worked in fashion journalism and retail, gaining experience that informed her approach to luxury branding. She joined Jimmy Choo in 1996 and helped transform the label from a bespoke shoemaker into an internationally recognized brand. Her focus on celebrity demand, red-carpet placements, and selective distribution helped elevate the brand's visibility and desirability SEC filing reference.
Leadership, Exit, and New Ventures
Tamara Mellon served as CEO of Jimmy Choo from 2006 until the brand was acquired by Michael Kors Holdings, now Capri Holdings, in 2017. After leaving Jimmy Choo, she launched her own luxury footwear and accessories brand, Tamara Mellon, with a focus on direct-to-consumer sales and modern design. Her post-Jimmy Choo venture reflects her continued involvement in the luxury sector and her experience in brand building and retail strategy Forbes profile.
Jimmy Choo Brand Value, Ownership, and Global Presence
Ownership Structure and Corporate Parent
Jimmy Choo is currently owned by Capri Holdings Limited, the global fashion luxury group that also owns Versace and Michael Kors. Capri acquired Jimmy Choo in 2017 for a reported transaction value of approximately $896 million, integrating the brand into its portfolio of luxury labels. The brand operates under Capri's global retail and wholesale structure, with distribution across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East Bloomberg.
Revenue, Store Network, and Market Position
Jimmy Choo generates revenue through wholesale partnerships with major luxury department stores and direct sales via its own boutiques and e-commerce platform. The brand maintains a network of