Courtesy of Evolution St. Louis
In its heyday, St. Louis' Garment District was thought to be second to New York City in fashion design and manufacturing, even winning praise for its introduction of the junior-size dress.
Since its decline (after changes in consumerism), many St. Louisans have championed for a revival. Last week brought an announcement that just might.
At a press conference on May 16, Evolution St. Louis announced plans for a $5 million manufacturing facility to be built on Washington Boulevard. With construction already underway at its 32,000-square-foot location (3830 Washington), production is said to start up later in the year. Here's what you should know about the project:
Courtesy of Evolution St. Louis
From left: Susan Sherman, co-founder of Saint Louis Fashion Fund, John Elmuccio, co-founder of Evolution St. Louis, Mayor Lyda Krewson, Jon Lewis, co-founder of Evolution St. Louis, Gary Wassner, CEO of Hilldun Corporation, and Andreas Schellhammer, CEO of STOLL.
What is Evolution St. Louis?
According to their website, Evolution St. Louis is a high-tech knitting facility, that will use 3D flat-knitting machines from German manufacturer STOLL, who, as the release states, "will install 300 high-tech flatbed knitting machines over the next three years."
Who are its founders, John Elmuccio and Jon Lewis?
John Elmuccio has an extensive fashion background, working for the likes of clothing companies like Warnaco, Maidenform, and Leslie Fay. According to the release, some of his product development and consulting projects were for clients including Elie Tahari, Hanesbrands, VF Corp, Joe's Jeans, Maxim, Delta Galil, and Komar.
Jon Lewis' career is of a similar range, from being vice president of sales for Ralph Lauren to Playtex Apparel to president of Christina Swimwear. According to his bio on Evolution St. Louis' website, Jon "has extensive experience in the intimate apparel category, along with women’s accessories and swimwear, directly managing or developing licensing strategies for premier, global brands."
What will the company do?
The high-tech flatbed knitting company will help alleviate sourcing and production issues for brands, even beyond the St. Louis labels. In the release, founder co-founder Jon Lewis said the company will "establish St. Louis as the hub for knit manufacturing in North America."
What does this mean for St. Louis?
According to the release, Evolution St. Louis plans to bring "50 to 60 jobs within the first three years of operation," with more coming as the company grows. In a statement, Elmuccio said the facility "will revitalize the knit sector, strengthen 'Made in the USA' fashion, and create good-paying sustainable jobs in St. Louis."
In the same release, co-founder of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund and Merch, Susan Sherman, said this news comes as a "giant step forward in making St. Louis a fashion capital in the United States."
