Jimmy+Choo

History Jimmy Choo, maker of glamorous accessories favoured by international stars and elegant women worldwide, was launched in 1996. As accessories editor at Vogue UK, Tamara Mellon sensed a real demand for stylish but wearable shoes and approached Mr Jimmy Choo, a couture shoe-maker based in the East End of London, recognized for his excellent craftsmanship. Tamara partnered with Mr Jimmy Choo to start the ready to wear company and sourced factories in Italy to produce the shoes on a larger scale. Consequently, plans were made to open the first Jimmy Choo stand alone boutique and to develop the wholesale business throughout the fashion capitals of the world. In April 2001, the expansion of Jimmy Choo took a significant step forward with the announcement of a new partnership with Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd. Equinox acquired Mr Choo’s share of the ready to wear business with Robert Bensoussan, Equinox’s chief executive becoming CEO of Jimmy Choo. Within 3 years, the company opened twenty six new stores, (in addition to the existing four) and introduced both handbag and small leather goods collections. This was followed by another dramatic move on 19th November 2004 with Lion Capital announcing the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Jimmy Choo, in a transaction valuing the company at £101 million. With 2006 marking the tenth anniversary of the company, Jimmy Choo now enjoys the visibility of a major luxury brand and will end the year with a total of 60 branded stores in many of the world's top locations. Philosophy //**“It doesn’t matter what you are wearing – if you have good shoes and a good bag, you’ll look right”. Tamara Mellon, President and Founder – Jimmy Choo.**// The Jimmy Choo philosophy is to create exclusive shoes and accessories that are both luxurious and practical for all occasions whilst creating a look instantaneously recognised as “Jimmy Choo”. The understated distinctiveness of the brand, and its integrity, is controlled with the limited distribution of the products to a few select retailers The brand has developed the unparalleled capacity to present innovative and fresh collections while simultaneously maintaining the classic elegance, beauty and sexiness with which the Jimmy Choo name is synonymous. Tamara, Sandra and their creative team roam the far corners of the world searching for inspirational artefacts whether it be the beading on an ancient Indian wedding dress or a piece of intrinsically embroidered Belgium lace. The original philosophy of the company has proven to be successful as it continues to be the accessory product of choice for cutting edge fashionistas, ladies about town and stylish celebrities alike.

Tamara Mellon Company Founder and President Tamara was born in London with a strong understanding of both fashion and business, from her mother, Ann, a former Chanel model and her father, Tom Yeardye, a successful entrepreneur. Internationally educated in Beverly Hills, England and Switzerland, Tamara’s started working at Browns and gradually moved from Phyllis Walters Public Relations, to Mirabella and from there to accessories editor for British Vogue in 1990. While at Vogue, Tamara’s entrepreneurial and fashion instinct foresaw the potential of the luxury goods accessories market as she noticed both a lack of style and variety in the existing market. In 1996, she broached shoe couturier Jimmy Choo with the idea of joining forces and launching a ready-to-wear shoe company. After successfully sourcing investors and factories to produce the collection, the company flourished under her helm with the opening of her first shop in 1997 on Motcomb Street in London and became an internationally renowned and aspirational brand. Following the immediate success of the boutique in London, Tamara took her designs to Los Angeles where she developed a loyal following of movie and television stars alike. With Hollywood’s Oscar winners walking the red carpet and starlets such as Beyonce Knowles singing of her love of vertiginous heels, Jimmy Choo has become the most desirable accessory. Tamara continues to take an active role in the running of the company ensuring that her vision of a quality, luxurious and fashionable product is maintained while continuing to evolve with the ever expanding needs of the business. Sandra Choi Creative Director Sandra was born on the Isle of Wight and lived in Hong Kong before moving to London in 1991 to study at St. Martins School of Art. It was at this time that Sandra began her successful career in the shoe industry as an intern for Jimmy Choo in his couture workshop in London’s East End. After a year of balancing school and work, Sandra decided to abandon her degree and focus her energies on the shoe business. She began to oversee the Couture workshop and quickly mastered the art of shoe making from inception to finish – design, pattern cutting and skillfully fitting a shoe. With the establishment of Jimmy Choo Ltd in 1996, Sandra was appointed Creative Director. Working in close collaboration with Tamara Mellon, Sandra is responsible for the creative design of the collections. Her eye for aesthetics is combined with her knowledge of shoe design and she is known for her innovative combinations of classic styles with whimsical and quirky, yet innovative, fashion forward accents. The overwhelming success of the recent handbag and small leather goods collection has demonstrated her talent as not only a shoe designer but also that of an accessories designer. Robert Bensoussan Chief Executive Robert Bensoussan, a Spanish national, has established himself as one of the most respected European managers, having contributed to the development and restructuring of prestigious groups where he has operated in a number of strategic positions. He has sixteen years of international experience as managing director, advisor and investor in the field of both fashion and luxury goods. Robert has worked with a wide spectrum of brands such as Lacoste, Charles Jourdan, Sonia Rykiel and Escada. He held the position of Chief Executive for both Christian Lacroix and Gianfranco Ferrè. In between his CEO roles Burberry retained him to work on the repositioning of the brand in Europe and Asia, with a special focus on product, production and distribution. Prior to Jimmy Choo he put together the Joseph £100 million LBO. In November 2001, together with Phoenix Equity Partners, Robert set up Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd which acquired a 51% stake in Jimmy Choo. As chief executive Robert managed the remarkable growth of the business and oversaw its range of products extend from shoes to bags to small leather goods and the opening of 23 new branded outlets. Whilst Lion Capital acquired the majority share in Jimmy Choo in November 2004 Robert remains CEO of Jimmy Choo. The transaction valued the company at £101 million with sales of approximately £40 million.