Michael Kors Pays $1.2 Billion for Jimmy Choo, Princess Di and Sex and the City‘s Favorite Shoe Brand
Michael Kors is ready to take a walk in Jimmy Choo‘s shoes. The fashion brand has reached a deal to acquire the shoe retailer for the high-heeled sum of $1.2 billion, The New York Times reports.
The pairing makes sense for Kors, a label known that’s known for its accessories business, like its ubiquitous bags, and Choo, a relatively newcomer to the shoe business that, thanks to many citations in fashion publications and Sex and the City, not to mention celebrity fans, like Princess Diana, has nonetheless become synonymous with fashionable footwear. Choo was founded by its namesake and Tamara Mellon in 1996.
“The company is a leader in setting fashion trends. Its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship resonate with trendsetters globally,” Michael Kors chief executive John Idol said in a statement, according to USA Today.
Michael Kors has also said that it plans to expand Jimmy Choo’s online presence, fashion offerings, and retail locations, though it’s unclear if the shoemaker will expand into new product categories. Choo, which has more than 150 stores worldwide, reportedly put itself up for sale in April. The Times suggests that a decline in mall traffic and general gravitation toward brands at both the high- and low-end extremes of the fashion spectrum have led to a dip in sales for many retailers.
After 20 Years, Jimmy Choo Is Still the Red Carpet Shoe for Models and Actresses
Diane Kruger at Jimmy Choo’s 20th Anniversary Party.
Olivia Culpo at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary party.
Lexi Boling at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary party.
Jimmy Choo creative director Sandra Choi at the brand’s 20th anniversary party.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Mary J. Blige at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Mary J. Blige performing at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Olivia Culpo at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Taylor Hill at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Grace Mahary at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Devon Windsor at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Sara Sampaio inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Taylor Hill inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Mary J. Blige performing at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Taylor Hill, Kaia Gerber and Cami Morrone at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Alan Cumming at Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
Jordan Barrett inside Jimmy Choo’s 20th anniversary celebration.
This latest deal is hardly the first merger in the luxury fashion world. In May, Coach announced that it would acquire Kate Spade New York for $2.4 billion. Executives noted that Kate Spade would maintain “brand independence” and that the acquisition is part of an effort to form a new luxury lifestyle company. And in April, LVMH, parent company to luxury brands such as Sephora and Louis Vuitton, officially added Christian Dior to its collection in a $13.1 billion cash deal, though it already held a majority stake in the historic French house.
Related: After 20 Years, Jimmy Choo Is Still the Red Carpet Shoe for Models and Actresses
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