Robert and Marie Gray founded St. John Knits in Irvine, California in 1962. Their daughter Kelly Gray has served as creative director of the company, as well as being the lead model for St. John's ads for years.
The Grays were forced out of management in a corporate power struggle in 2005, but returned in 2007 to lead the company's creative team.
St. John suits and knitwear are a favorite among American professional women, with Senator Hillary Clinton being perhaps their most famous regular customer. Angelina Jolie is now the face of St. John's ads.