St. John, a brand known for its iconic knitwear and glamorous 1960s style, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The brand is capitalizing on this renewed interest by reinterpreting its classic designs with contemporary updates, offering a fresh take on vintage chic.
St. John’s new flagship store on Madison Avenue showcases a curated vintage collection by fashion historian Lilah Ramzi. The vintage edit, dubbed St. John Select, features pieces from the brand’s inception in 1962, and is available for purchase both in-store and online. The collection reflects Ramzi’s affinity for 1960s-era fashion and includes a range of classic knitwear, poppy prints, and jewel tones. St. John CEO Andy Lew said the partnership with Ramzi was a natural fit, as they aimed to create something that a new generation could enjoy and showcase vintage pieces that felt both modern and timeless.
St. John, founded in 1962, has always embraced the mod look. Now, creative director Enrico Chiarparin and stylist Karla Welch have teamed up to create a modern-day version of high society classics, inspired by the glamour of 1960s California. The collection features key pieces like the Nuda top, a shiny, skin-tight top made from a mix of nylon and jersey, which Chiarparin and Welch suggest styling over St. John’s “basketball jersey-like” gown. Accessories include pieces from the archive, such as pavé earrings, zebra print bangles, and opulent crystal belts, as well as select evening blouses and gowns with built-in embellished details at the neckline with a trompe l’oeil effect.
