ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2025) — Legendary women’s fashion icon, St. John Knits International Inc., has officially announced the relocation of its global brand headquarters to Anaheim Canyon, marking a significant move for both the company and the vibrant business community of Anaheim. This strategic shift underscores the enduring appeal of St. John Knits and its commitment to innovation within the dynamic landscape of women’s high fashion, particularly in the realm of signature knitwear.
The esteemed womenswear brand completed its move to Anaheim in early January, transitioning from its previous base in Irvine. The new headquarters is situated in an expansive 85,000-square-foot facility on La Palma Avenue, conveniently located near Imperial Highway. This state-of-the-art building houses a comprehensive range of operations, including executive offices, cutting-edge design studios, a specialized atelier or boutique production studio, and a substantial warehouse, all under one roof.
Approximately 120 employees now operate from the Anaheim headquarters, filling crucial roles across various departments. These include executive leadership, wholesale operations, design teams, skilled craftspeople, administrative personnel, and fulfillment specialists. The establishment of this global brand headquarters in Anaheim Canyon is a pivotal moment for St. John Knits, solidifying its position as a leader in the fashion industry and a significant contributor to the Anaheim business sector.
St. John Knits now joins a thriving Anaheim Canyon business community, which boasts over 3,000 businesses and a workforce of 40,000 employees spanning diverse sectors from advanced technology to consumer goods. Being part of China’s Lanvin Group Holdings Ltd., St. John is poised to benefit from and contribute to this diverse and innovative ecosystem.
Image of a classic St. John Knits suit showcasing the brand’s iconic knitwear design.
Alt text: Elegant St. John Knits suit, highlighting the brand’s signature knit design and luxurious appeal.
The brand is globally recognized for its sophisticated and timeless knitwear, particularly its iconic suits and dresses for women. These coveted pieces are available at prestigious retailers such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and through the company’s own exclusive St. John boutiques, including locations at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. The enduring popularity of St. John Knits is a testament to its commitment to quality and classic design in women’s fashion.
The iconic status of St. John Knits is further cemented by its clientele, which has included influential figures such as Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, and Jessica Chastain. The brand’s appeal extends to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts, with celebrities like Zendaya, America Ferrera, and brand ambassador Shonda Rhimes embracing its modern yet timeless aesthetic. This broad appeal across generations highlights the lasting relevance of St. John’s knit designs.
What sets St. John Knits apart is its dedication to using high-end fabrics, incorporating upscale accents, and ensuring an elegant fit. These elements combine to create the luxurious feel and look that defines the St. John Knits brand and makes their knitwear so sought after. The meticulous attention to detail in every St. John’s knit garment reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
“The narrative of St. John Knits mirrors the success stories of numerous prominent businesses in Anaheim,” remarked Mayor Ashleigh Aitken. “It’s a story rooted in a small vision that blossomed into a global brand. St. John’s presence elevates Anaheim’s reputation and strengthens our burgeoning creative economy.” The Mayor’s statement emphasizes the positive impact of St. John Knits on the city of Anaheim.
The inspiring story of St. John Knits began in 1962 with husband-and-wife team Robert and Marie Gray, who launched the company from their family garage in North Hollywood. Taking the name from Marie Gray’s maiden name, St. John, the company was founded on her visionary concept and the original knit dress she designed, which revolutionized the landscape of high fashion knitwear.
Image of Marie Gray, the founder of St. John Knits, showcasing her original knit dress design.
Alt text: Marie Gray, founder of St. John Knits, presenting her innovative knit dress that launched the brand.
Marie, a model, utilized her personal flatbed knitting machine to create dresses for herself. These designs quickly gained popularity among her friends, leading to increasing requests. From these humble beginnings, the company expanded, with Robert taking charge of sales and introducing St. John clothing lines to major department stores. Their daughter, Kelly Gray, further propelled the brand’s prominence, becoming the face of St. John for many years and leading the business through the 1990s and early 2000s. The Gray family’s legacy remains integral to the St. John Knits identity.
While the Grays are no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day operations, their enduring legacy continues to shape St. John Knits. Today, St. John stands as a flagship brand within Anaheim’s apparel industry, sharing the stage with other notable companies like Pacific Sunwear of California LLC, the operator of PacSun stores, also based in Anaheim Canyon. The presence of these major apparel brands highlights Anaheim Canyon as a significant hub for the fashion industry.
To explore the world of St. John Knits and discover their latest collections, visit their website. For more information about the dynamic Anaheim Canyon business community, please click here.
