The Gstaad Guy Podcast Greg Chait: Founder of The Elder Statesman – Cashmere, Colour, Craftsmanship, & Playful Luxury
Jan 14, 2026
In this conversation, Greg Chait, founder of The Elder Statesman, shares his journey from party promoter to luxury fashion innovator. He reveals how a simple cashmere blanket sparked his passion for yarn and colour. Greg discusses pioneering tie-dye on cashmere, making luxury feel playful and personal. He also reflects on empathy in leadership shaped by fatherhood, the balance between creativity and operations, and the importance of authenticity in craftsmanship. Join him as he explores the emotional toll and joy of building a meaningful brand.
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First Cashmere Blanket Sparked Everything
- Greg Chait received his first transformative cashmere blanket as a gift and it changed his product focus.
- He began collecting blankets worldwide and obsessed over yarn and texture, which became the brand's root.
Yarn Determines Product Identity
- Greg realised early that "it's all about the yarn" and that yarn choice defines durability and handfeel.
- He used that insight to develop unique thick yet luxurious blankets by making and selecting yarns directly.
Maxfield Sale Turned Hobby Into Business
- Maxfield in LA discovered Greg's blankets and sold them immediately, validating demand.
- That sale led him to scale with beanies, orders, and a first investment to turn the project into a business.