The Elder Statesman

The Elder Statesman is a luxury fashion and lifestyle brand based in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant, handcrafted cashmere garments and a distinctive Californian aesthetic that blends laid-back cool with exceptional craftsmanship. Founded in 2007 by Greg Chait, the brand began almost by accident. Chait, who had previously worked with a music label and held no formal fashion training, was inspired to explore textiles after receiving a cashmere blanket as a gift. He became fascinated with the material, eventually making his own versions. His early creations quickly caught the attention of Maxfield, an upscale Los Angeles boutique, which sold out his initial offerings and encouraged him to continue. This unexpected encouragement provided the launchpad for what would become The Elder Statesman.

Initially, the brand focused solely on high-end cashmere blankets. Chait’s insistence on using only the finest materials and having each item produced by hand in small quantities immediately set the brand apart. He sourced cashmere from trusted regions such as Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Italy, selecting only the highest-quality fibers. Each piece was then hand-spun and dyed in Los Angeles using environmentally conscious methods. This meticulous process allowed the brand to maintain full control over quality, while also embracing sustainable practices that are increasingly important to luxury consumers.

As the brand grew, so did its offerings. From blankets, The Elder Statesman expanded into apparel and accessories. Each product was infused with the same attention to detail and spirit of individuality. The clothing is known for its bold use of color, playful patterns, and luxurious textures, often featuring tie-dye designs, stripes, and whimsical motifs like mushrooms or palm trees. These pieces stand in sharp contrast to the often muted tones of traditional luxury fashion, positioning the brand as both elevated and approachable—refined, yet with a strong sense of fun.

In 2011, just a few years after founding the company, Chait opened a private, appointment-only studio in West Hollywood. By this point, The Elder Statesman was stocked in high-end retailers like Barneys New York, attracting a growing following among those seeking exclusivity, quality, and a dose of California sunshine in their wardrobe. The following year, Chait’s vision was recognized on a larger stage when he won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, a prestigious honor that significantly raised the brand’s profile within the fashion industry.

The Elder Statesman continued to build its reputation through strategic collaborations and consistent branding. In 2014, the company opened its first standalone boutique in West Hollywood. Designed in partnership with Commune Design, the store reflected the brand’s ethos, with relaxed, home-like interiors, alder wood floors, a cactus garden, and a warm copper roof. This physical space allowed customers to experience the brand’s world in a deeper, more immersive way.

Collaborations further solidified the brand’s position as a forward-thinking player in the fashion world. Notable among them was a 2016 partnership with the NBA, which resulted in limited-edition cashmere pieces featuring professional basketball team logos—a novel fusion of high fashion and sportswear. In 2023, The Elder Statesman teamed up with UGG to create a collection that married both brands’ California roots, reimagining UGG’s signature footwear with the Elder Statesman’s playful, luxurious sensibilities.

Despite its growth, the brand has stayed true to its values. Each collection is still produced in limited quantities, often with only 25 to 100 units per item. Sweaters start at around $800, with blankets reaching upwards of $2,000. These prices reflect not only the quality of the materials and the labor involved, but also the brand’s resistance to mass production. In a world increasingly driven by speed and scale, The Elder Statesman champions patience, individuality, and sustainability.

Greg Chait himself embodies this philosophy. He lives simply in a modest Malibu beach shack, surrounded by the very blankets and sweaters that define his brand. His lifestyle is rooted in authenticity rather than excess, reflecting the understated luxury that has come to define The Elder Statesman. Over the years, the brand has built a loyal global following, with products now available in over 75 stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman, Mr Porter, and other leading fashion retailers.

The Elder Statesman remains a singular voice in American fashion—a brand that began with a blanket and blossomed into a symbol of laid-back sophistication, rooted in integrity, creativity, and craftsmanship.