Greg Chait: The Cashmere King

No two boutiques carry the same line of The Elder Statesman and every product has some point of difference. What is the value of exclusivity to you?

That is correct to say that no client of The Elder Statesman carries the same exact assortment of the product offering.
The value of exclusivity is what I built the whole company on since day one. It’s the idea of working with the best of class accounts around the world and refining the assortment to not only reflect the personality of TES, but to also respect the values/creativity of the boutique and the ultimate customer that said boutique serves.
This concept came from my own personal need to find pieces for myself that felt special.

If you weren’t working in fashion, what would you be doing?

I love this question and the answer is two-fold: If I were to stop today, I would do absolutely nothing for a while and then re-assess.
I always fancied myself as having the skillset to run an ER. My family is full of doctors and somewhere in the back of my head this has always been a calling.

Growing up I hoped I could be a punk singer, however… much to my dismay I don’t think I can sing.

Is there a golden rule in designing cool, relaxed wear?

Being relaxed.

The Elder Statesman X NBA – Los Angeles Lakers Cashmere-Blend Sweater – Women’s Sweaters

What is the greatest challenge in reaching your sublime standard of quality cashmere?

The combination of being relaxed, but managing all processes in the best possible way.

What is innovation to you?

Innovation to me is exceling within invisible guardrails. For instance, in our world, it’s to innovate while keeping the balance of art and commerce completely at the forefront of thought. Dreaming while being practical.

The Elder Statesman was named after your late brother. How does he continue to inspire the collections that you produce?

He continues to inspire and command the company on all levels. This “standard” is what we have to live up to always. Keeps us honest.

Describe cashmere in three words.

I want it.

You use vintage looms to weave your fine cashmere. How and where did you source these démodé technologies?

I am sorry, but I can’t give away my playbook, but what I can say is that it’s much like having a vintage car collection.

What role does California play in the design process and your life in general?

It’s where I live and I work in the first person capacity, so it’s totally integrated in what I do.

Greg Chait and a stack of his designs.

For example, my whole week has changed due to the fires we are experiencing. We are living it.

What is the most amazing cashmere commission you’ve ever made?

I was lucky enough to be commissioned to do an entire screening room in a client’s house in St Moritz. Floors, walls, and even the ceiling. It was an amazing experience.

Why are there so few American luxury brands, and what have you done to break into this space?

This is a big question.
All I can say about The Elder Statesman is that everything we do is from the heart and in the best possible way.

In many cases, that means that there won’t be an instant gratification so perhaps that has something to do with it…
I believe wholeheartedly that these sorts of endeavors simply take time.

Where in the world do you source your cashmere and how do you find reliable suppliers?

This was and has been my mission since day one.
We work with many mills around the world, but always make sure that the core ber itself is of top top quality.