Back in October 2013, Tamara Mellon dropped a bombshell that rocked the fashion world. In a candid interview with The Today Show, the co-founder of Jimmy Choo revealed that Jimmy Choo—the man behind the iconic name—never designed a single shoe for the brand.
That’s right. The designer once credited with dressing royalty and red carpets wasn’t actually behind the sketches. Surprised? So were we. Here’s what really happened.
Tamara Mellon and Jimmy Choo, co-founders of the iconic luxury shoe brand, pictured during public appearances years after launching their fashion empire (Credit: Alberto Reyes / Joe Alvarez / WENN)
The Truth Behind the Jimmy Choo Name: Tamara Mellon Sets the Record Straight
Choo became famous for crafting custom shoes for high-profile clients, including Princess Diana and numerous A-list actresses. But Mellon revealed in the interview that he never created any of the brand’s designs.
“The original idea was for Jimmy to design the collection and I would run the operations of the business,” she said. “But it soon became very clear that Jimmy’s skill was in making shoes, he’s a cobbler … not one sketch did I get from him. Not one.”
According to TODAY, they contacted Jimmy Choo for comment, but he declined to speak. Here’s an outtake from the interview that aired on October 3, 2013:
From Rock Bottom to Runway: Tamara Mellon’s Journey to Building a Shoe Empire
Mellon also opened up about the personal struggles that shaped her career. She entered rehab after losing her job at British Vogue at age 27. “One glass of wine for me turned into 6 o’clock in the morning and calling the coke dealer and then realizing, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to be at work in three hours,’” she recalled.
The experience marked a turning point. She emerged from rehab determined to launch her own shoe company — and that’s when she reconnected with Jimmy Choo, a London cobbler she’d worked with during her Vogue days.
Their partnership created one of fashion’s most famous shoe brands. Though Choo was later bought out, Mellon stayed on for over a decade, eventually stepping down in 2011.
Tamara Mellon’s memoir In My Shoes chronicles her rise from personal struggles to cofounding the luxury shoe empire Jimmy Choo
Family Drama, Public Disputes, and the Future of Tamara Mellon
In her memoir, In My Shoes, Mellon reflects on a turbulent upbringing with an alcoholic mother and a father she considered her lifeline. “If you can’t trust your own mother, who can you trust?” she said.
Her brother, however, disputed her portrayal of their mother. “My mother wasn’t an alcoholic. She never abused us,” Gregory Yeardye told the Daily Mail. “We had amazing parents. We were spoiled. Had it not been for them, Jimmy Choo would not exist.”
Despite the controversy, Mellon remains focused on the future. Today, she runs her own eponymous shoe label.
“I can’t believe that it’s actually happened. There it is, you know?” she said. “Because I had the dream and the vision. And now it’s a reality.”
We’re unsure if Tamara’s statements are factual or if this is just a great publicity stunt for her new ventures — a memoir titled In My Shoes (available on Amazon) and a new footwear brand, Tamara Mellon. What do you think?
Celebs in Choo: Red Carpet Moments That Prove the Brand’s Icon Status
Jimmy Choo has long been a celebrity favorite, with many showcasing the brand’s iconic designs on various occasions. Here are some of the most stylish moments featuring Jimmy Choo:
Mandy Moore’s Elegant Appearance in Jimmy Choo ‘Lekker Spectator’ Pumps
- Event: The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Breakfast
- Outfit: Mandy Moore exuded sophistication in a white silk top paired with a black leather pencil skirt.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with Jimmy Choo’s Lekker Spectator pumps, featuring a bold design with black, white, and red accents.
- More Details: Mandy Moore’s stunning look with Jimmy Choo ‘Lekker Spectator’ pumps
Gemma Arterton’s Bold Statement in Green Jimmy Choo ‘Lottie’ Sandals
- Event: ‘Gemma Bovery’ Premiere
- Outfit: Gemma Arterton turned heads in a printed two-piece ensemble from Saloni.
- Footwear: She added a pop of color with green Jimmy Choo ‘Lottie’ sandals, showcasing her impeccable style.
- More Details: Gemma Arterton’s chic look with green Jimmy Choo ‘Lottie’ sandals
Lily Collins’ Classic Elegance with Jimmy Choo Heels
- Event: Casting Society of America’s Artios Awards
- Outfit: Lily Collins dazzled in a beaded black strapless midi dress by Alberta Ferretti.
- Footwear: She complemented her outfit with classic black Jimmy Choo pumps, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
- More Details: Lily Collins’ red carpet glam in Jimmy Choo heels
Camila Cabello’s Daring Look with Jimmy Choo ‘Etana’ Sandals
- Event: Paris Fashion Week
- Outfit: Camila Cabello embraced a bold style in a silver chainmail halter top and a matching mini skirt by Rabanne.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with metallic silver Jimmy Choo ‘Etana’ sandals, which feature a strappy upper and a graphic drop heel.
- More Details: Camila Cabello’s daring look with Jimmy Choo ‘Etana’ sandals
Diane Kruger’s Chic Ensemble with Jimmy Choo ‘Koko’ Sandals
- Event: Jimmy Choo’s 20th Anniversary Event
- Outfit: Diane Kruger opted for a sophisticated black jumpsuit.
- Footwear: She added a hint of edginess with Jimmy Choo ‘Koko’ sandals, which feature polished studs and wraparound ankle ties.
- More Details: Diane Kruger’s chic look with Jimmy Choo ‘Koko’ sandals
These moments highlight Jimmy Choo’s enduring appeal among celebrities. The brand offers designs that range from bold statements to timeless classics.
Fall’s Fiercest Finds: Must-Have Jimmy Choo Boots for the Season
We here on Your Next Shoes still love Jimmy Choo shoes, whether he designed them or not. And in the spirit of autumn, here are our favorite Jimmy Choo boots for this season that you can buy at Farfetch and Mytheresa:
Jimmy Choo “Blaine” Ankle Boots, $1,495
Jimmy Choo “Dylan” Ankle Boots, $1,350
Jimmy Choo “Talma” Cutout Booties, $1,350
Jimmy Choo “Biker” Boots, $995
Jimmy Choo “Voyage” Boots, $950
Jimmy Choo “Delta” Gladiator Boots, $2,195
Jimmy Choo “Tamba” Boots, $1,895