Looking to break into the fashion industry? Thinking about starting your own brand? Here is your chance to pick the brain of a fashion tycoon!
After lunch, you can shop the TAMARA MELLON brand with Tamara herself.
Tamara Mellon was born in London to English parents and an entrepreneurial father. Mellon spent her educational years between England, California and Switzerland and it was during these formative years that she developed a global perspective and an affinity for entrepreneurialism and fashion. Upon completion of her studies, Mellon moved to London and worked in retail and public relations. In 1996, Mellon joined the editorial team at British Vogue, where over the course of her tenure as Accessories Editor she cultivated her editing skills and product expertise.
Sensing an untapped market opportunity, Mellon’s strong sense of business and product led her to the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer of Jimmy Choo. Responsible for the company's creative vision and strategic direction, she nurtured the brand through a period of explosive international growth. During her time at the helm, Jimmy Choo grew from a single London boutique to one of the most prominent and innovative luxury brands in the world with over 145 stores across the globe.
Jimmy Choo became synonymous with the Hollywood-set and was hailed the lucky charm for Academy Award winners such as Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry and Hilary Swank, among others. The brand was also recognized for excellence throughout the industry. Jimmy Choo was awarded the 2008 ACE Designer Brand of the Year award, the 2008 British Designer Brand of the Year Award from the British Fashion Council, the 2008 ‘Footwear News’ Brand of the Year Award, and the 2009 Nordstrom ‘Partners In Excellence’ award. In 2011, Labelux purchased the brand for approximately $800 million.
Mellon has also been recognized for her professional achievements on a personal level. Ronald Perelman appointed Mellon to the Revlon Board in 2008 and she still sits as Board Director today. In 2010, she was appointed by Prime Minister David Cameron as Ambassador for International Trade, promoting Britain’s business abroad. That same year, Queen Elizabeth II honored Mellon with an OBE (Order of the British Empire), for service to the fashion industry.
In 2013, Mellon announced the creation of the TAMARA MELLON brand, a luxury lifestyle brand offering a full range of apparel, shoes, handbags and accessories. The brand launched in November 2013 with a select group of premiere retail partners in the United States and Europe. Mellon currently resides in New York City and London with her daughter.
Explore even more auctions in the First Annual Charitybuzz Entrepreneur Auction