Jimmy Choo – Ownership, Pricing, and Designer Biography

Jimmy Choo is a name synonymous with red-carpet glamour and luxury footwear. But behind the iconic stiletto lies a story of two founders, a corporate sale, and a Malaysian shoemaker who built a global brand before leaving it behind. This guide covers ownership, pricing, where to buy, and the designer’s own biography.

Who Owns Jimmy Choo and Who Designed the Brand?

The Jimmy Choo brand is owned by Capri Holdings Limited, a fashion conglomerate that also owns Michael Kors and Versace. The company was acquired in November 2017 for approximately $1.2 billion, according to Forbes. The current CEO is Hannah Colman.

The brand was co-founded in May 1996 by Malaysian designer Jimmy Choo and British Vogue editor Tamara Mellon. The company, J. Choo Limited, was launched with a £150,000 investment from Mellon’s parents, as reported by WWD.

Jimmy Choo the designer is no longer involved with the brand. In April 2001, he sold his 50% stake for £10 million and left the company. The reason for his exit, as Wikipedia notes, was disagreement over the brand’s shift toward mass production. He now focuses on bespoke work under his own Couture label.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Key Insights About the Brand

• Jimmy Choo the founder sold his stake in 2001; the brand is now owned by Capri Holdings alongside Michael Kors and Versace.
• Jimmy Choo shoes range from $500 to $4,000, with iconic styles like the ‘Mimmi’ and ‘Azia’ heel.
• The brand launched fragrances in 2010, with best-sellers like ‘Jimmy Choo’ and ‘Jimmy Choo Fever’.
• Jimmy Choo is considered a leading luxury footwear brand, frequently worn by celebrities on red carpets.
• The brand has a strong presence in the UK (London flagship) and Canada (stores in Toronto, Vancouver).

How Much Do Jimmy Choo Shoes Cost and Where Can You Buy Them?

Jimmy Choo shoes sit firmly in the luxury bracket. Standard luxury heels typically range from £450 to £1,200 (approximately $600–$1,600). Entry-level styles often start around £400–£500, while premium leather or heavily embellished styles can exceed £2,000. Bespoke or diamond-encrusted custom designs have historically fetched $4,000 to over $20,000, as documented in a CNBC profile.

In the UK, the brand is headquartered in London and operates more than 200 boutiques worldwide. Key UK locations are in Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and on the original Motcomb Street. In Canada, Jimmy Choo operates boutiques in major cities, including Toronto (Bloor Street/Yorkville) and Vancouver. Collections are also available through high-end department stores like Holt Renfrew and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The brand’s official website, Jimmy Choo Official Website, offers full collection browsing and shipping. Authorized retailers like Selfridges also carry a wide selection of Jimmy Choo products.

Are Jimmy Choo Shoes Worth the Price?

The brand’s reputation is built on artisanal craftsmanship. Even after the founder’s departure, the brand has maintained its heritage through Sandra Choi, Choo’s niece, who serves as Creative Director. She has led the brand’s design identity for over 30 years. The craftsmanship and red-carpet association contribute to the high price point.

Does Jimmy Choo Make Perfume? Product Lines Beyond Footwear

Yes, Jimmy Choo has a well-established fragrance line. The debut scent was launched in 2010, created by perfumer Olivier Polge (who later became the in-house perfumer at Chanel), according to the Perfume Society. Jimmy Choo perfumes, such as the Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum and Jimmy Choo Fever, typically retail between £65 and £100 for 30ml–100ml sizes in the UK, and $70–$110 in the US.

Beyond footwear and fragrances, the brand also specializes in handbags, accessories, jewelry, and eyewear. The brand’s expansion into men’s footwear and accessories is also ongoing.

What Is the History of Jimmy Choo and How Did It Become a Luxury Icon?

Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat was born on November 15, 1948, in Penang, Malaysia, into a family of shoemakers. He graduated from the London College of Fashion in 1983. In 1986, he opened his first bespoke workshop in a converted abandoned hospital—the Metropolitan Free Hospital—in London’s East End, as detailed by Britannica.

He gained recognition by 1988 for creating bespoke shoes for Diana, Princess of Wales, who became a brand favorite. This royal client gave the young designer significant cultural cachet.

The brand became a luxury icon through celebrity endorsements and popular culture. It was heavily featured on Sex and the City and became a staple of the red carpet for events like the Oscars. The brand bridged the gap between couture and ready-to-wear luxury shoes, making high-end footwear aspirational yet accessible.

The name “Jimmy Choo” itself includes a historical spelling error. The designer’s surname was originally Choi, but a mistake on his birth certificate created the “Choo” spelling that became globally famous.

Where Is Jimmy Choo Based and What Are Its Most Popular Shoe Styles?

Jimmy Choo is a British luxury fashion house, with its headquarters in London, England. The brand is considered British despite the founder’s Malaysian heritage, as the company was founded and is operated in the UK. Sandra Choi, the Creative Director, continues to lead design from London.

While specific “best seller” styles vary by region and collection, iconic styles have included the ‘Mimmi’ and ‘Azia’ heels. The brand describes its design identity as focusing on glamour, craftsmanship, and modern femininity.

Celebrities frequently wear Jimmy Choo on red carpets. Notable fans have included Princess Diana, who was an early supporter, and countless actresses at the Academy Awards.

Timeline of Jimmy Choo Brand History

1. 1948: Jimmy Choo born in Penang, Malaysia.
2. 1980s: Moves to London; studies at Cordwainers College.
3. 1996: Co-founds Jimmy Choo Ltd with Tamara Mellon. First boutique opens on Motcomb Street.
4. 2001: Jimmy Choo sells his stake (50%) for £10 million and leaves the company.
5. 2011: Labelux Group acquires the brand.
6. 2017: Capri Holdings (formerly Michael Kors Holdings) acquires Jimmy Choo for about $1.2 billion.
7. 2020: Launch of Jimmy Choo ‘Shoes and Bags’ customization program.
8. 2024: Continued expansion into fragrances and men’s footwear.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Jimmy Choo?

How Did Jimmy Choo Become a Global Luxury Icon?

The brand’s cultural impact is largely tied to celebrity and media exposure. Princess Diana’s patronage in the late 1980s gave the brand early legitimacy. The brand was then catapulted into mainstream culture by its frequent appearances on Sex and the City, where Carrie Bradshaw’s love for the brand cemented its status as a modern luxury essential.

Ownership changes also shaped its trajectory. The sale to Capri Holdings placed Jimmy Choo alongside mass-luxury conglomerates like Michael Kors and Versace. Despite this, the brand maintains its reputation for artisanal craftsmanship through Sandra Choi’s continued leadership.

What Do Official Sources Say About Jimmy Choo?

“Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat is a Malaysian fashion designer based in the United Kingdom. He co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd, which became known for its handmade women’s shoes.”

— Jimmy Choo’s Wikipedia page

“The acquisition of Jimmy Choo strengthens our position in the luxury accessories market and adds a globally recognized brand to our portfolio.”

— Capri Holdings press release (2017)

“Jimmy Choo’s shoes are the ultimate status symbol for the modern woman.”

— Vogue (1998)

Summary: What Is the Final Verdict on Jimmy Choo?

Jimmy Choo is a British luxury fashion house founded in 1996 by Jimmy Choo and Tamara Mellon. The brand is now owned by Capri Holdings and known for luxury shoes, fragrances, and handbags. The founder left the company in 2001, but the brand remains a red-carpet icon under Creative Director Sandra Choi. For those looking to understand the brand’s story, the Jimmy Choo brand history provides a complete overview.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jimmy Choo