St. John Knits and Shonda Rhimes collaborate on a first fashion campaign

The award-winning TV writer, producer, and the author is partnering with the fashion line for the spring-summer collection.

Shonda Rhimes, an award-winning TV creator, showrunner, writer, and producer, has been chosen by St. John, a high-end American fashion label known for its focus on women’s knitwear, to be the face of their upcoming #OwnYourPower campaign for the spring/summer 2023 collection.

Rhimes will serve as a brand ambassador for the campaign, which honors extraordinary women, in her first foray into the fashion industry. Previous brand ambassadors for St. John include Kelly Gray (the founders’ daughter), Gisele Bündchen, Angelina Jolie, Karen Elson, and Kate Winslet.

Shonda Rhimes St. John's

“St. John is a brand that I have worn and loved for years. It’s rare to find clothes that are this comfortable and well-made. I can look professional while feeling relaxed enough to be creative,” Rhimes, who wore a St. John sweater on a January 2022 cover of Time magazine, said in a statement.

“Discovering the motivation behind the collection and its connection to supporting women’s empowerment was exciting and made the choice to align with St. John a simple one for me.”

According to global CEO Andy Lew, Rhimes’ allegiance to the brand as a customer makes her “a natural brand ambassador,” particularly for a campaign focused on female empowerment.

“Through her career, she perfectly represents what all our clients do — this is more than a brand, we are building a network of incredible women doing extraordinary things. Our clothes empower global audiences, and Shonda does the same,” he said.

On February 28, when the Spring 2023 collection debuts in St. John stores, the campaign formally begins.