The brand was founded in 1962 by Robert and Marie Gray. A fascinating coming together of craft and couture based on the premise of a simple, yet elegant knit dress.
1962
Robert & Marie Gray (Left).
Marie Gray in first St. John knit dress (Right).
1962
Marie Gray served as both Chief Designer and the first face of St. John.
1960's
Robert Gray, Co-Founder and CEO, alongside Marie Gray, had a clear vision for growth and was the driving force behind the brand's continued expansion and global success.
1960's
Marie Gray in early St. John ad.
1965
St. John developed a unique wool blend yarn, Santana, with a special twist that became a signature to the brand.
1960's
St. John knit sweater and pleated knit skirt.
1971
The brand continued to expand, increasing factory space and established its headquarters in Orange County, California.
1970's
Expansion continues with distribution in Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Robert Gray with (left to right) Neiman Marcus Chairman & CEO Burton M. Tansky, Saks Fifth Avenue Chairman & CEO Philip Miller, Nordstrom Co-Chairman James F. Nordstrom
1970's
Knitwear designs became more complex, featuring exotic yarn and elaborate knitting techniques. St. John's insistence on the highest quality reflected its commitment to use state-of-the-art production methods.
1979
St. John in its first Saks Fifth Avenue windows on Fifth Avenue, New York.
1970's
St. John knit jacket and dress.
1980
The brand's constant strive for perfection led to twisting and dyeing of the yarn in-house. In order to create the vibrant and rich colors St. John is known for, the brand opened its own dye plant using the finest pigments and dyes.
Early 1980's
St. John knit dress.
Early 1980's
The brand opens a jewelry workshop and began the production of beautifully handcrafted buttons and jewelry with precious metals. The opulent and unique buttons became a signature to the St. John jacket.
1981
Robert and Marie Gray's daughter, Kelly, became the St. John signature model at the age of 15 and eventually the face of the brand.
1983
St. John expanded offerings to include an Evening Collection. Paillettes became the signature embellishment for the brand.
1989
The first company-owned St. John Boutique was opened in Palm Desert, California.
1990's
While continuing to be the face of the brand, Kelly Gray immersed herself in all aspects of the business alongside Robert and Marie Gray. Kelly later held positions as St. John Co-President & Creative Director and Co-CEO.
1995
First Lady Hillary Clinton wears St. John.
Mid to late 1990's
St. John continues tremendous growth with the increase in company-owned Boutiques and international expansion in Europe, UK, Middle East and Asia.
Late 1990's
St. John campaign featuring Kelly Gray.
Early 2000's
St. John campaign featuring Kelly Gray.
2005
St. John Fall 2005 campaign featuring supermodel Gisele Bündchen photographed by Mario Testino.
2006 - 2008
Angelina Jolie is the face of St. John from 2006-2008. St. John campiagn featuring Angelina Jolie photographed by Mario Testino.
2009
St. John campaign photographed by Mark Seliger.
2010
St. John campaign featuring model and singer-songwriter Karen Elson photographed by Greg Kadel.
2011 - 2012
St. John campaign featuring actress Kate Winslet photographed by Craig McDean.
2007
Angelina Jolie wears a St. John gown to the Golden Globes.
2012
Kate Winselt wears a St. John knit dress to the opening night gala for 'Impact: 50 Years of the CFDA.'
2014
First Lady Michelle Obama wears a St. John jumpsuit to the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
2015
Chrissy Teigen wears a St. John knit gown to the Met Gala.
2015
Sofía Vergara wears a St. John gown to the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards.