Cherokee of California History Page

In 1972, on the sun-drenched sands of Venice Beach, California, James 'Jimmy' Argyropoulos crafted more than just a brand; he created a legacy named Cherokee of California. As one of the original women's casual footwear and lifestyle brands, it embodies the free-spirited essence of Southern California's casual-cool culture. This blend of youthful inspiration, bohemian thoughtfulness, and a touch of wisdom captures the brand's essence.

Cherokee of California represents comfort, quality, authenticity, and self-expression.


Jimmy's journey began with his passion for music, leading him to California in 1964. Amid the counterculture movement of the 60s, he performed with his band and immersed himself in the vibrant California scene. However, in 1968, he decided to return to his family's roots and opened a small shoe store and leather workshop in Mar Vista, California.

In the eclectic melting pot of Venice Beach during the 70s, known for its rich cultural diversity, Jimmy transformed his shop into a unique space. It was a place where people could enjoy music, socialize, and discover handcrafted leather goods, including his distinctive wooden clogs. These clogs, renowned for their raw, artisanal charm, quickly gained popularity for their handmade look and feel, often described as having an 'American' style.


At that time, Jimmy was deeply intrigued by Native American cultures, especially the Cherokee, an indigenous group from the Southeastern United States known for their peaceful and advanced society. He felt a strong connection between the free-spirited flower children of the 60s and the Cherokee, considering them kindred spirits in California. Consequently, his clogs and the emerging brand symbolized this new California bohemian lifestyle.


As demand grew, Jimmy officially founded Cherokee of California in 1972 and expanded production. His iconic wooden-bottom shoes garnered nationwide attention.

In the early 80s, Jimmy's innovation led to the development of flexible urethane soles combined with padded footbeds, revolutionizing women's comfort footwear. The brand soared, and Cherokee expanded its product range to include apparel and accessories. By the mid-80s, Cherokee was a household name and remains an internationally recognized lifestyle brand.


Jimmy's vision is to return to the brand's roots, reviving the original name, 'Cherokee of California,' with a collection of authentic handcrafted, California-Constructed comfort shoes and sandals, delivering unparalleled comfort and timeless style.

In 1972, on the sun-drenched sands of Venice Beach, California, James 'Jimmy' Argyropoulos crafted more than just a brand; he created a legacy named Cherokee of California. As one of the original women's casual footwear and lifestyle brands, it embodies the free-spirited essence of Southern California's casual-cool culture. This blend of youthful inspiration, bohemian thoughtfulness, and a touch of wisdom captures the brand's essence.

Cherokee of California represents comfort, quality, authenticity, and self-expression.


Jimmy's journey began with his passion for music, leading him to California in 1964. Amid the counterculture movement of the 60s, he performed with his band and immersed himself in the vibrant California scene. However, in 1968, he decided to return to his family's roots and opened a small shoe store and leather workshop in Mar Vista, California.

In the eclectic melting pot of Venice Beach during the 70s, known for its rich cultural diversity, Jimmy transformed his shop into a unique space. It was a place where people could enjoy music, socialize, and discover handcrafted leather goods, including his distinctive wooden clogs. These clogs, renowned for their raw, artisanal charm, quickly gained popularity for their handmade look and feel, often described as having an 'American' style.


At that time, Jimmy was deeply intrigued by Native American cultures, especially the Cherokee, an indigenous group from the Southeastern United States known for their peaceful and advanced society. He felt a strong connection between the free-spirited flower children of the 60s and the Cherokee, considering them kindred spirits in California. Consequently, his clogs and the emerging brand symbolized this new California bohemian lifestyle.


As demand grew, Jimmy officially founded Cherokee of California in 1972 and expanded production. His iconic wooden-bottom shoes garnered nationwide attention.

In the early 80s, Jimmy's innovation led to the development of flexible urethane soles combined with padded footbeds, revolutionizing women's comfort footwear. The brand soared, and Cherokee expanded its product range to include apparel and accessories. By the mid-80s, Cherokee was a household name and remains an internationally recognized lifestyle brand.


Jimmy's vision is to return to the brand's roots, reviving the original name, 'Cherokee of California,' with a collection of authentic handcrafted, California-Constructed comfort shoes and sandals, delivering unparalleled comfort and timeless style.