Jimmy Choo Academy opens gallery selling students' designs

Jimmy Choo Academy (JCA) | London Fashion Academy has announced the grand opening of the JCA Gallery, "a celebration of innovation and the boundless potential of emerging designers ready to show their talent to the world”.

JCA was founded by Creative Designer, Jimmy Choo OBE, as an incubator for emerging talent. Now, on JCA's campus, in London's Hanover Square, will be opening the doors to a new ground-floor gallery. The physical gallery, a space for designers to display their garments and accessories, will be supported by an e-commerce section of the JCA’s website, which launches today. This allows members of the public to buy and rent products from the academy’s students for the very first time.

Jimmy Choo told TheIndustry.fashion: "It's important to introduce young designers to retail because their end goal is ultimately to sell their designs. Retail is a crucial part of having a business and the earlier young designers can get involved, the better. There is no better way to learn than by doing."

The vision behind the JCA Gallery is to offer those from both undergraduates and masters students a platform to enter the world of retail. It was conceived as an immersive experience, with each young designer's works being presented exhibition style.

Opening its doors to the public from Tuesdays through Thursdays, available by appointment only, the JCA Gallery offers a bespoke experience to meet and collaborate with young design talent.

The staff will assist customers through their rental journey in person, or with the same seamless experience with the convenience of the online presence.

Ha Smith, Direction of Incubation JCA, said: "At the JCA, we are committed to nurturing our learners’ talent, as well as giving them the support to put their product out there in front of the fashion industry before they graduate.

"We are thrilled to introduce the JCA Gallery at our Mayfair campus and supporting e-commerce websites that will allow learner works to be sold and rented. At JCA we do not only hone students' creative skills but also equip them with business skills that help them launch their own businesses."