It’s that time of year when holiday parties are in full swing, and this week, St. John got in on the action by hosting a soirée to toast the brand’s many collections and partnerships. Karla Welch, stylist to stars like Hailey Bieber and Olivia Wilde, hosted the private dinner to celebrate the new Pre-Fall 2023 collection as well as the brand’s Foundation line.
The American luxury house held the party at French West Village restaurant, Les Trois Chevaux in N.Y.C., and invited close friends of the brand such as actresses (and Welch’s clients) America Ferrera and Busy Philipps, President Joe Biden’s granddaughter Finn Biden, jeweler Jennifer Fisher, stylist Erica Cloud, Vera Wang SVP of Global Communications Priya Shukla and many more.
The Pre-Fall 2023 collection highlights what the American luxury brand is known and loved for by modernizing and evolving its signature knitwear. It marks the first collection that Welch collaborated on with the brand as a directional partner in her role as the official Stylist Consultant. The assortment features items with nods to the ’60s with Jackie Kennedy-inspired jackets featuring quilted taffeta stitching. There are uniform-esque looks thanks to regimental details, as well as plaids, tweeds, rhinestones and sequin-accented pieces. There are also exclusive seasonal prints with large plaids with micro check, an art nouveaux printed floral, a geometric pattern and Japanese-influenced florals and polka dots.
In November, the brand launched the 65-piece Foundation collection, which contains the perfect building blocks of an ideal wardrobe including blazers, pants, dresses, denim, tees, and belts in black, navy, ecru and white. According to the brand, “FOUNDATION integrates all other St. John items so the modern client can complement luxury statement pieces seamlessly into their look.”
Global CEO, Andy Lew shared that, “FOUNDATION is designed and crafted by St. John in Southern California based on an opportunity in the market. We wanted an evergreen collection to roll over season after season and cater to our diverse customer base of global citizens for their everyday versatility.”
Welch was also involved in this line as a directional partner for design in her Creative Consultant role.
“Karla is one of the most prominent and well-respected stylists in the industry,” stated Lew. “I am confident she will help continue to push the brand forward with her strategic vision and ingenuity. We are truly thrilled to have her join our team and look forward to seeing the St. John brand evolve together.”
After so many memorable collection in 2022, we can’t wait to see what’s in store in 2023.
