Leathersellers moves leather up the agenda at Jimmy Choo Academy
The Leathersellers’ Foundation has awarded a grant to the Jimmy Choo Academy in London to enable the tutors to run leather masterclasses in design, manufacturing and pattern-cutting, beginning later this year.
Industry representatives will be invited in to guest lecture, and the students will take part in site visits to learn more about the manufacturing side.
Rosa Fior, associate lecturer, told Leathersellers: “I talk to the students about the degradation of synthetic materials and how that creates micro plastics, and they get quite an intense introduction; not only about leather itself, but where leather comes from, how we use it and the history of leather, footwear and handbags. The projects are built around sustainability.”
Students have also benefitted from the Leathersellers’ Surplus Leather Project, which donates material for their designs and experimentation.
Image: Olivia Parkinson is a graduate of the Jimmy Choo Academy and was awarded Collection of the Year in 2025. Credit: Leathersellers
