<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 13, 1999
----------------
ST. JOHN KNITS, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 1-11752 95-2245070
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
17422 Derian Avenue, Irvine, California 92614
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (949) 863-1171
-----------------------------
Not Applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
<PAGE>
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
- ------ ------------
A copy of the press release issued by St. John Knits, Inc., a
California corporation (the "Company"), on January 13, 1999 is filed as Exhibit
99.1 to this Current Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS
- ------ ------------------------------------------------------------------
99.1 Press Release issued by the Company on January 13, 1999.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: January 15, 1999
ST. JOHN KNITS, INC.
By: /s/ Roger G. Ruppert
---------------------
Name: Roger G. Ruppert
Title: Senior Vice President - Finance,
Chief Financial Officer
2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
-------------
Exhibit
No. Description of Exhibit
- ------- ----------------------
99.1 Press Release issued by the Company on January 13, 1999
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
Company Press Release
For Immediate Release
- ---------------------
Contact: Investors: Media:
--------- -----
Roger G. Ruppert Michael Freitag/Jason Lynch
St. John Knits Kekst and Company
949/863-1171 212/521-4800
ST. JOHN KNITS ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DEPARTURE
--Executive Vice President David Frankel Resigns
To Become President of Calvin Klein Menswear--
IRVINE, Calif., January 13, 1999 - St. John Knits, Inc. (NYSE:SJK), today
announced that Executive Vice President David C. Frankel has resigned from
the Company, effective January 15, 1999, in order to accept the position of
president of Calvin Klein Menswear. Mr. Frankel's responsibilities at St.
John Knits and its Amen Wardy subsidiary will be assumed by the other
members of the Company's senior management.
St. John Knits Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert E. Gray said:
"David Frankel is a talented and energetic executive who has made many
contributions to the continuing success of our company. While I am sorry
he is leaving, I certainly understand his decision to pursue this career-
advancement opportunity. We all wish him well."
St. John Knits designs, manufactures, and markets women's clothing and
accessories. The Company's products are sold under the St. John, Griffith
& Gray, and Marie Gray trade names. St. John's retail division operates 17
boutiques and nine outlet stores.
