St. John Adds Humberto Leon as Creative Director

Lanvin Group, the parent company of Anaheim-based St. John Knits, has named Humberto Leon as the luxury knit house’s new creative director.  

Leon, best known for co-founding fashion and retail concept Opening Ceremony with Carol Lim in 2002, was most recently the Creative Director of the girl group KATSEYE. He and Lim also led the creative team at French fashion house Kenzo for eight years. 

The new addition follows Mandy West’s appointment as CEO in March; she has been driving e-commerce sales and wholesale partnershipsas part of a turnaround at St. John.The firm reportedrevenueof 78 million euros ($92 million USD as of Dec. 30) in 2025.  

West hinted at Leon’s new role in April and said he had been working on St. John’s mid-September collection, which will be followed by a new brand collaboration after.