St. John Knits logs 40 years in fashion

St. John Knits, a favorite recognizable uniform among affluent women, marks its 40th anniversary this year.
You have to applaud the principals for survival in a precarious industry of few long-term successes.
The line was founded in 1962 by Marie Gray, a Los Angeles model, who just wanted to knit simple sleeveless dresses for herself and friends. Her husband, Robert Gray, became the chief executive officer. They say each new season was touch and go in the beginning, but the company now markets six separate lines in nearly 30 countries and owns 26 retail boutiques.
Although Marie Gray is still active in the company, the chief creative director and co-president is daughter Kelly Gray, who has added a slightly more youthful aesthetic.