St. John cancels fashion show

St. John Knits has canceled its show at L.A. Fashion Week. The Irvine-based company, the highest-profile label among the 35 designers on the roster, had occupied the coveted closing show spot on March 23.

A St. John spokeswoman said Thursday that the company changed plans because the sales staff was “really focusing on their client base and reaching out to their loyal customers to make sure they are not left behind.”

St. John is in the midst of a major transition and is being closely watched as it embarks on a comeback campaign that includes a sleeker, more fashionable silhouette, hiring Angelina Jolie as its spokeswoman and model, and searching for a new designer.

It has been in negotiations with New York designer Vera Wang, according to Women’s Wear Daily, and last month sources said the company hoped to seal the deal with Wang by the L.A. shows.

Not having Wang on board “had nothing do with” not having the show, the spokeswoman said.

Fashion editors will be invited to preview the fall collection by appointment in New York and possibly in L.A.

Fern Mallis, vice president of IMG, the company that produces the L.A. shows at Smashbox Studios, said St. John’s changing image makes this an awkward time for a runway show. “They probably made a good business decision, since they are trying to redefine their design position and who will get a credit as designer,” she said.

-- Valli Herman