# Jimmy Choo (the shoemaker)

> Jimmy Choo (the shoemaker) is a accessories label based in London, Malaysia, started in 1986. Behind the label: Prof. Datuk Jimmy Choo. Known for handmade shoes; he left the Jimmy Choo brand in 2001.

- Canonical: https://thecastindex.com/designers/jimmy-choo
- Country guide: https://thecastindex.com/houses/malaysian-designers
- Facts checked: 2026-10-22
- Author: Kaiser Khan (Founder & Editor)

## Quick facts

- Behind the label: Prof. Datuk Jimmy Choo
- Based: London, Malaysia
- Since: 1986
- Focus: Accessories
- Makes: Couture shoes; fashion education through JCA London Fashion Academy
- Trained: Cordwainers, London
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profjimmychoo/

## Who is behind Jimmy Choo (the shoemaker)?

Penang-born Jimmy Choo trained at Cordwainers in London and opened his own London shop in 1986, Tatler Asia reports. In 1996 he co-founded J. Choo Ltd with Tamara Mellon; he sold his stake and left in 2001. The Jimmy Choo brand is now owned by Capri Holdings, with Sandra Choi as creative director, and he has no role in it.

That distinction matters when you shop: shoes sold as Jimmy Choo today are the brand’s, not the shoemaker’s. He opened JCA London Fashion Academy in Mayfair in 2021.

## Timeline

- 1986: Opens his own shoe shop in London. (source: https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/jimmy-choo)
- 1996: Co-founds J. Choo Ltd with Tamara Mellon. (source: https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/jimmy-choo-brand-isnt-losing-its-market-appeal-as-capri-holdings-considers-further-growth/2025041781141)
- 2001: Sells his stake and leaves the company. (source: https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/jimmy-choo-brand-isnt-losing-its-market-appeal-as-capri-holdings-considers-further-growth/2025041781141)
- 2002: Appointed OBE. (source: https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/jimmy-choo)
- September 2021: Opens JCA London Fashion Academy in Mayfair. (source: https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/02/16/jimmy-choo-princess-diana-and-i-had-a-trust)

## Sources

- [Tatler Asia — Jimmy Choo](https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/jimmy-choo) — checked 2026-10-22
- [FashionUnited — the Jimmy Choo brand under Capri Holdings (April 2025)](https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/jimmy-choo-brand-isnt-losing-its-market-appeal-as-capri-holdings-considers-further-growth/2025041781141) — checked 2026-10-22
- [Cyprus Mail — Jimmy Choo interview and JCA academy plans (February 2021)](https://cyprus-mail.com/2021/02/16/jimmy-choo-princess-diana-and-i-had-a-trust) — checked 2026-10-22