HONG KONG,�CHINA -�Media OutReach�-�9 October 2019 -�The
designer joins the iconic American brand from Max Mara Fashion Group and Dior
in a new role spanning product, store design and brand communication.
St. John, the American luxury house founded in 1962, has named
Zoe Turner as its new creative director, an expanded role arching across all
facets of the brand from its collections and retail environments to its
multimedia presence. With a singular creative voice, Turner will take the
legacy brand to new heights while remaining deeply rooted in its DNA.
A sophisticated and highly technical
fashion and knitwear designer with 20 years of experience, Turner has an
impressive background that includes almost a decade at Dior under both John
Galliano and Raf Simons, during which she honed her skills as a knitwear
expert. Turner began her career working alongside celebrated Italian designer
Alberta Ferretti, and most recently headed a team while consulting at Max Mara
Fashion Group.
"Zoe has a fresh outlook. She is
curious, creative and passionate, and this energy will help drive St. John to
the next level. She has a deep understanding of the brand's DNA and how to
communicate that to customers through a 360� brand experience. We believe Zoe
can introduce St. John to a larger audience through reinterpreting the brand
codes and modernizing the collections," said Joann Cheng, Fosun Group's
global partner, chairman of
Fosun Fashion Group, which acquired a majority interest in St. John in 2017.
"Zoe is a quiet and powerful creative
soul with an innate sense of how women want to dress. I love her passion, her
appreciation for all eras and her eye to the future. She has a vision for the
bigger picture, and I look forward to seeing the impact that Zoe will have at
St. John," said Eran Cohen, chief executive officer of St. John.
�"St. John has a rich
history of innovation and flair. Like kindred spirits, I look forward to
creating a new chapter in the story of a great American brand."
Keeping luxury, comfort, confidence and classicism at the
forefront, Turner will lead a team of artisans, craftsman and technical experts
to create clothes that spark desire and start a new conversation.
�"I'm honored and excited
about the challenge ahead, and to lead the creative teams with a new vision for
today's woman."
ABOUT FOSUN
Fosun International Limited is a
technology-driven consumer group that has been listed on the main board of the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00656.HK) since 2007. Founded in 1992, Fosun operates
three business lines, in Health, Happiness and Wealth, creating world-class
products and services for families around the world. In 2018, Fosun recorded
revenues of RMB 109.4 billion (c.US$ 16.5 billion) with total assets worth RMB
681.51 billion (c.US$ 99.13 billion) as of 30 June 2019.
ABOUT FOSUN FASHION GROUP (FFG)
Launched in 2017 and based in Shanghai,
China, FFG is a multi-disciplinary industry platform under Fosun International
Ltd. that focuses on in-depth operations and strategic investments in Fashion.
Rooted in China with a global vision, FFG is able to provide the complete
solution for brands' sustainable growth. FFG believes that long-term value can
be created through a variety of strategic initiatives. These include brand
building, talent recruiting, product development, strategic alliances, channel
expansion, digitalization, as well as full-spectrum local operation provided
through its China operation arm, Fosun Fashion Brand Management (FFBM). Through
its unique approach and position, FFG looks to create and connect cross-border
communities, empower talent and drive growth. FFG's current brand portfolio
includes Lanvin, Wolford, St. John, Caruso and Tom Tailor.
ABOUT ST. JOHN
St. John is an American luxury house
founded in 1962 on the premise of a simple, elegant and versatile knit dress.
The brand has evolved over the years but the foundation of the collection
remains the same today as it did from the very start -- great American design,
understated and timeless elegance, unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship. The
company, headquartered in Southern California, employs more than 1,500 people
and is vertically integrated with workshops, stores and offices around the world.
Its collections are sold in high-end specialty retailers in 19 countries, 37
company-owned stores and through the brand's ecommerce site stjohnknits.com.
Instagram/Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn:
@StJohnKnits
Zoe Turner
St. John's newly-appointed creative
director Zoe Turner understands the power and beauty of transformation. Just as
her work at Christian Dior Couture made an impact -- moving the legendary house
forward while remaining true to the ethos of the brand -- her role at St. John
will be to reenergize and transform a treasured American fashion house while
remaining deeply rooted in its history.
A sophisticated and highly technical
fashion and knitwear designer with an innate sense of how women today want to
dress and express themselves, Turner is creating collections that showcase
brand icons and new silhouettes, proportions and colors. With a singular creative voice and vision that will span store design,
communication and product, Turner will highlight American luxury vis-a-vis
craftsmanship, quality and timeless beauty. In leading St. John's teams of artisans, she will harness
the power of their collective skill and know-how.
A London native, Turner earned her master's
degree from London's Royal College of Art. Upon graduating in 2002, Turner
promptly joined Alberta Ferretti as a designer, where she worked alongside the
Italian founder and creative director for four years. There, she developed her
skill in designing feminine womenswear and knitwear, utilizing the talents of
craftsmen and artisans in the factory adjoining the atelier. Turner was then recruited
to Paris to join Christian Dior Couture, first as Senior Designer under John
Galliano, then as Head Designer, Director of Knitwear under Raf Simons.
Throughout her time at the House of
Dior, Turner developed knitwear into a key aspect for the brand. With Galliano,
whom she worked alongside for seven years, and Simons, she sourced inspirations
from various eras within the archives and around the world.
After spending nearly a decade at Dior,
Turner returned to Italy to become a freelance consultant at Max Mara Fashion
Group, known for its heritage and craftsmanship. In the two years just prior to
joining St. John, she headed a sizable team and was responsible for wovens,
accessories, leather goods, knitwear and jersey, as well as creative for the
brand's communications and advertising.
With a quiet confidence and powerful
command of her craft, Turner is poised to lead St. John into a new era of
modern luxury. Her first collection is set to debut for Fall 2020.
